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PROCEEDINGS 



or TBE 



N. H. ANTI-SLAVERY CONVENTION, 



f 



HELD IN CONCOBD, 



ON THE nth & 12th OF NOVEMBER, 1834. 



S. CONGO KV, N. H. 
EASTMAN, WEBSTER & CO.— PRINTERS. 
1834. 



1 1 piii's-inri."i; of ji rps;i!iilion .■iilipltid l)y tlic Cnic; ir.l Ariti-SInverv Society, at ils nirfliiifj on l!ie 

SOm r-S pt ■;ii:).T, 13iJ4, a ( J >m niStr.' iv \s fipp ;iiiU' I to c.ni r -.-ip >ri I will) llui sevenil Arili-.SIiivcry" 

S :~ :•:•.-• i r';;^ S; i! • .; ; I 'V 1 : I'l ■ f i ■ 1 U ' if A') )!it!i) 1 '^ 'ir.!. .il\, <) 1 i;i(! exp •■lie icy nf cullirii; a De- 

: 1 i:!'!!!',!")! Ill iMi.il i;!!,'ich.in:; ; of viev/.-; a id reelings in rcl.ilioii to 

., I'i I : > .1 1 i;)t, s 1 :a ;iKMs;ti'.-.s for C')-op,'i-atiii;r wiih the (ViiMiils ot' 

,1 - . , ,1 , (;iii; t;r' .■■. 11 itry as :ii iv l>i! ja 1^ -.1 Ix-st c ilciihiie.l 'o cflVitl these 

; ;'i • ■ 'o II ijiil.-e, wiri IM'. ;ii)prf)i);itioa of o.tlier SuciL'lics to call sai.l (^'omeii- 

I w :|.-: I'll'V til IV (I \! il eS)):' lilMt. 

i' ' 1- i :■.,> -■■ : ■ L ;'i : !•■ ii'iiti'i', h ivi-rj at n 1:1 ijir'itu 1 lln ab ivs resolution to all t'le Aii'i-Slavery 
S(#i-i(>lie- k'irlwft t > I'xisl III t !:- iStali;, c iiis.-d ill • f.jlloiviii;; milieu to lie paiili-ilieil in saveial iVewspu- 
pers, aii(! copies nl" it to l)-s;!Jtl> (Jeor,'^ 'rinnipsoil, E-c]. tlie distiimiished p'lilaiilhropist iVoiii 
i (iiido), now 01 a visit fo llrLs c. laitiy, and luSL'V.ial in liviilaala in liiis and the iici^liboiiig States 
frJKndly 10 llie c;;'.i3e of Ein;ineip itioii. ■* 

NOTICE OF THE COMMITTEE. 

In ronfinnily wiih tlie above resolution, the iirideisigiicd invite the Anti-Slavery Societies in Nc".V- 
H I iiMshire by t'l'ir D.di-'^at's. and till other prisons who believe tliat holding oul* fellow men in 
bondage is a sin thai shouldbe immeuiatetv aban don K.n, to meet in ronvenlion at Co i;'ord, 
Tii.'s l:iy, N IV. II, 1834, fir ihe ^^en^n-al purposes expre.-sed in the fore-T lin^f R's dve, and to unite in 
fervent p aver to Alnli^^!lty Ciod to ld;"ss our eiforls for- the speedy abolitio 1 of SlavM'v tliroii:rhont our 
la!id. And as we expe-t loe'Tr.'t ..nrolij.'et only by moral means, — by the exh iliition of ti iidi to the 
tin l.-rslnndiii^, w w-ui'd not shnn invesli^aiion, and ar.; willixig onr opinions and principles sliiaild be 
cxrnined; we thi-relbre coi dially inviu- ALl, who fi>, I an interest in the great dLibject of Aniericaa 
elav-iy. to 111 'et with in an I parliripite in t'l ■ dismssioii:!. 

Dei;-s;it.-s a^i 1 if n'invof \ iii- ^liv-rv S i:-ieiie.s will inr^etatthe Town Hall at 9 oVIor^k fjr tliu 
transa'tio 1 of l.nsiness. The piibli'r cx'n'i'ises of the Convention will coai:iience witlj a ssrinon at the 
Il;,'V. ^Ir. IJiiulon'.s iiieetiii' house at h df ji 1st ten. 

I:DMUi\I) UOPtTM, JOHN FARMER. 

THH'.IVS CflADMOIJRNE, RlOSES G. THOMAS, 
GEOLlliK S TORUS, FdU:.\EZi:R E. CUMwING^ 

- ■ AI.UE CADV. 

The foliowinj; <t •nll,-iiien liavin-r duly considered the subject o' the (Jomention, as recontiendcd by 
the Cuiicorii Anti-Slaveiy Soeiolv, cor iial.v unite with the Coiniiiittee in the above invitation. 

RKV. nwii) srowEij., rev. Walter Harris, d.d. 

REV. JO, IN M. WHirON, REV. RUFUS PUTMAN, 
REV. E. !?. RR\I)FORD, R15V. JARED PERKINS, 
R'^V. AUSTIN RICH VRDS. REV. AI?EL MANNING, 
REV. CALVIN CUTLER, REV. DAVID ROOT, 
REV. J. M. .PUTNAM, REV. JUNATH.\N CURTIS. 



PROCEEDINGS. 



Agreeably to the foregoing' notice, a meeting of gentlemen from different 
parts of the State was held at t!ie Town Hall, on Tuesday the 121 h of Nov. 
1834. Rev. Mr. Root, was called to the chair, and Rev. Mr. Worth, cho- 
sen secretary. Prayer wa« then offered hy Rev. Mi'. Storrs of Concord. , 

A committee, consisting- of Rev. J\lr. Storrs and Dr. Chadbourne, was 
apj)oiiu«d to examine the credentials of persons appointed to attend the 
Convention, and report their names. 

It was voted, also, that all members of Anti-Slavery Societies, present, 
and tho^^e, who consitler slavery a sin and that it ought to be immediately a- 
bulished, be requested to enter their names as members of this convention 
according to the first invitation in the notice calling tiiis meeting; and, that 
all rjier; participate in the discussions, according to the second invitation in 
s^'d notice. The committee reported the following names of gentlemen, 
/.s composing the convention. 

DELEGATES TO THE CONVENTION. . 

Bedford, Rev. Sam. Abbott, Sam. W. Abbott. 

Chichester, Rev. Rufus A. Putuam, 

Campton, Davis Baker, John Clark. 

Concord, Rev. Edmund Worth, Rev. George Storrs, Rev. N. Bouton, 
Benj. Damond, Amos AVood, George Porter, Nathaniel Abbott, Albe Ca- 
(h, John B. Chandler, Tliomas Chaabourne, Edmund S. Chadwick, Geo. 
Kent, John Farmer. 

Dover, Rev. Jared Perkins, -Rev. D:'vid Root. 

Dunbarton, John Mills, Rev. J. M. Putnam, David Alexander, John Ca- 
vis. 

Goffstown, Rev. David Stowell. 

Gilford, D. E. .Jewcti. 

Londonderry, F. D. Anderson. 

Loudon, William Chamberlain. 

Pittsfield, Rev. Jona. Curtis. 

Plym' uth, Henry C. Green, Austin George, Noah C. Cummings, Geo. 
W. Ward. 

Windham, David Campbell, Rev. Calvin Cutler, Samuel Anderson, 

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS. 

The following gentlemen accepted the iuvitaliun as above and entered 
their names as corresponding members: 

Rev. Amos A. Plielps, ^gent of the Am. Anti-Slavery Society, Boston. 

Rev. C. P. Grosvenor, delegate from the Essex co. Ms. A. S. Society, 
Salem. 



4, 

Mr. J. Merriam, Topsfield, Ms, 

Rev. Wm. S. Porter, Cor. Sec. Young Men's A. S. S. Boston. 

Mr. B. C. Bacon, Sec. and agent of the N. E. Anti-Slavery Soc. Boston. 

Rev. Asa Rand, Lowell. Mr. Nath'l Thurston, Lowell. 

Mr. George Thompson, from Enjfland. 

The followin2: gentlemen were cho.sen a committee to nominate a list of 
officers for the Convention; Rev. J. M. Putnam, Rev. Mr. Stowell and 
Messrs. Chddliourne, Ward, Alexander, Abbott and Chandler. 

The committee reported and the following were chosen as 

OFFICERf OF THE CONVENTION. 

Rev. David Root, Dover, President. 

Col. Davis Baker, Campton, Dr. T, Chadbourne, Concord, Vice Presi- 
dents. 

Rev. E. Worth, and Dea. J. B. Chandler, Concord, Secretaries. 

Appointed, Rev. Messrs. Storrs, J. M. Putnam, Dr. Chadbourne , Rev. 
Messrs. Phelps, Cutler and Albe Cady, Esq. a committee of arrangements 
and overtures. 

After which, the Convention adjourned to hear, a sermon from Rev. Mr. 
Grosvenor, in the Rev. Mr. Bouton's church, to meet in the Hall again at 
half past one o'clock, P. M. Mr. G. preached from the text, Thou shalt love 
thy neighbor as thyself" His purpose,he said, was to show that the Bible 
not only condemns slavery, but requires immediate emancipation as the rem- 
edy. And this, he said, was made out at once if his hearers would admit that 
the negro was a man; for what man would Ijke iflmself to be a slave? and 
what man, therefore, who loved his neighbor as himself would ever make 
or keep that neighbor for one moment a slave? He should, however, to 
be more particular, attempt to show — 1. That slavery is not sanctioned by 
the Scriptures; 2. That the Scriptures condemn it; and 3. That they re- 
quire immediate emancipation as its remedy, and pledge the word and en- 
ergies of Omnipotence that its results shall be peaceful and happy. These 
various positions were abundantly sustained, and God's word* rescued from 
the blasphemous slander, that it tolerates and sanctions slavery. Having 
estal)lished these positions, the preacher built upon them the inferences. — 

1. That ministers of the gospel were solemnly bound to preach on the sub- 
ject of slavery on the Sabbath; and that until they did it, and did it fully 
and fearlessly, they were guilty of not declaring the whole counsel of God, 

2. That chuiclies v.'ere solemnly bound to sustain their ministers in so do- 
ing. For if the Bible sanctioned slavery, they ought to preach that, so 
that the consciences of the community might be at rest on the subject; and 
if the Biblo did not sanction it, they certainly ought to preach that, and 
their churches ought to stand by and sustain them — else they were guilty, 
awfully guilty befbre God. 

Afternoon. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Curtis. 

The Convention proceeded to discuss several resolutions as offered by 
the committee of overtures. The first resolution, expressive of the feel- 
ings of the Convention towards the south, is as follows: 

Resolved, That in our efTorts to promote the emancipation of our fellow men now in bondage, we 
entirely disc la ini all hostile feelings towards our brethren at the South. We are conscious of no oth- 
er than feelings of benevolence towards masters as well as slave.«; and we believe that, in laboring 
for the cause of universal emancipation, we are laboring for both. 

Resolutions of Gen. Association of N. H. 
Retolved, That we highly approve the resolutions adopted by the General Assoaiation of N.II. 
ai their late meeting at Meredith, which wert, 



" That we view it as the imperious duty of Christians to make ginvery « •iibject of praver, in- 
qniry, and discussion, with a view to its cessation at liie earliest period consittcnt with its peaceable 
accomplishment, and, 

" That we deem it vitally important that all discussions on this subject ehoiiM bo free from unhal- 
lowed excitcnieut, and be conducted in a spirit marked with the meekness and gentleness of Christ." 

Organization of a State Socikty. 

Resolved, TUat the time has conic when every American, and especially every American Christian 
is solemnly bound to iirouse hiuK-elf and give his ininicdiate, rariiest, and unwear ied at.cnlion and 
efforts to the gieat work o( abulislilnjj the i-ystem otshuery in this land utterly and forever; and that 
for the puipose of conc(iilr.itii;g our energies and bringin^' them to bear with the greatest efl'ect on 
this subject, this Convention now proceed to organize a Statk Anti-Sla vkky Societv. 

Tlie Committee of overtures, being instructed to prepare a Constitution, rejwrted the following: 

CONSTITUTION. 

Preamble, The most high God hath made of one bio id all the families of man to dwell on the 
face of all the earth, and hath endowed ail alike willi tlie same inalienable rights, in wliicli are hl'c, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness ; yet there are now in this land, more than two millions of human 
beings, possessed of the same deathless spirits, and heirs to the same immortal hopes and destinies, 
with ourselves, who are nevertheless deprived of the.-e their sacred rights, and kept in the most cruel 
and abject bondage ; a bondage under which human beings are bred and fatened for the market, and 
then bought, sold, mortgaged, leased, bartered, fettered, tasked, scourged, beaten, killed, hunted 
even like the veriest brutes, — nay, made often tlie unwilling victims of ungodly lust ; while, at the 
same time, their miwds are, by law and custom, generally shut out from all access to letters, and in 
various other ways all their upward tendencies are repressed and ci u^lied, so as to make their ''moral 
and religious ccHidilion such that they may justly be coiisideritd the heathen of this country ;"* and 
since we regard such oppression as one of tliegieatest wrongs that man can commit against his fellow; 
and existing as it does, and tolerate<l as it is, under this free and Christian government, sapping ita 
fr>undation, bringing its institutions into contempt among cither nations, thus retarding the march of 
freedom and religion and strengtheuing tiie hands of despotism and irreli<rioii throughout the world; 
and since we deem it a duty to ourselves, to our government, to the world, to the oppressed, and to 
God, to do all we can to end this oppression, and to secure an immediate and entire emancipation of 
the oppressed; and believe we can act most effu'iently in the case, in the way of combined and or« 
ganized action: — 'I'lierefure, we, the undersigned, do form ourselves into a society for the purpose, 
and adopt the following 

CONSTITUTION. 

Art. 1. This Society shall be called the New-Hampshire Akti-Slavert Society, and 
shall be auxiliary to the American Anti-Slavery .So(-iety. 

Akt. 2. The fundamental principle of this Society is, that slave-holding is a heinous sin against 
God, and ought therefore to bo inimediaiely and forever abandoned. 

Art. 3. The objects of this Society are to secure the immediate and entire emancipation of 
the enslaved from the oppiession of slavery, of the free blacks from the oppression of public sentiment, 
and the elevation of both to the enjoyment of equal intellectual, civil and religious rights and privi- 
leges. And this Society will endeavor to effect these objects by the use of such Christian means as 
are suited to correct prevailing and wicked prejudices, and to change the public sentiment of the 
nation in regaid to the rights of the enslaved; but will never encourage a resort to violence in vindi* 
cation of their rights. 

Art. 4. Any person assenting to the above principles may become a member of the Society by 
signing this constitution. Local Societies formed on similar principles may .become auxiliary by 
paying any sum annu:illy into the 'i'reasury. 

I Art. 5. The Officers of this Society shall be a President, five or more Vice Presidents, a 
Corresponding and Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Committee. The" Executive 
Committee shall consist of seven, who with the President, Vice I'residents, Secretaries and Treasurer 
shall constitnti a Board of Managers to represent the Society during its recess. It shall be the d.uty 
of the Board of IManagers to take all measures necessary to carry into effect the general objects of the 
Society five constituting a quorum to trananct business. 

Art. 6. The annual meeting of the Society shall be held in Concord, at such time and place as 
the Managers shall appoint during Election week. 

Art. 7. This Constitution may be altered or amended at any annnal meeting of the Society, 
such alteration or amendment having been proposed at a previous meeting. 

Appointed Messrs. Chadboiirne,!!. C. Greene, W. ChamberlaiiiJ. D. Ander- 
son and Rev. Messrs. S. Abbott, J. Perkins and J. M. Putnam, a committee 
to nominate a list of officers for the State Society. The commitlee reported 
the foUownig, who were cliosen as 

Officers of the State Societt. 
President. Rev. Jonathan Curtis, Pittstield. 



*See the report of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia, published in March, 1834. 



6 

Vice-Presidents. Dr. Th. Chadbourne, Concord; Gen. D. Hoit, Sandwich,' 
kev. Calvin Cutler, Windham; Rev. J. M. Whiton,Antrim; N. P. Rogers,Esq„ 
Plymouth; and Mr. Amos Campbell, Acworth. 

Executive Committee. Rev. N. Boiiton, Concord; Rev. J. M. Putnam, Dun- 
barton; Albe Cady, Esq. Concord; Rev. Geo. Storrs, Concord; Rev. Dj 
Stowcll, GofTstown; D. L. French, Esq. do; Rev. M. G. Thomas, Concord; 
Mr. Benjamin Damon, Concord. 

Corresponding Secretary. John Farmer, Esq. Concord. 

Recording Secretary. Rev. Edmund Worth, Concord. 

Treasurer. George Kent, Esq. Concord. 

Voted, to adjourn to meet this evening at Rev Mr Cummings' Meeting house. .' 

Tuesday Evenii^g. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev Mr Put-- 
nam , of Dun barton. 

Rev. Mr. Storrs of Concord, introduced with remarks the following reso- 
lution: 

Resolved, That this Convenliori regards tlie practice of persons, -am] especially of Christian minis- 
ters, going IVom the free to llie slave-holding States, and there l)econiii>g the o« iiers of slaves, as a 
■crime [wiiicli may be jii-tly ranked with those] of the blackest dye, and as deserving lUe unqualified 
C'-ndeiiination and abhorrence of every friend of liberty ajid religion. 

[The sentence in brackets was not in the resolution as first a'lopted.] 

Mr. BacoN, of ]Joston, seconded the motion, and related the anecdote of 
tlie black boy who escaped I'rom his clerical ir.aster, while on his visit to the 
springs. 

Rev. Mr. Porteu, of Boston, alluded to the fact that those who go from 
the north, and become slave-holders at the sout.?, become proverbially the 
most cruel slave-masters. He also spoke of the deadening effect on those 
ministers who thus marry slavery, and the tenacity with which they are 
commonly attached to the system, by reasoning with their consciences and 
peisuading themselves that they are in the path of duty, and hope to amel- 
iorale the condition of their slaves. We thus see that something needs to be 
done at the North,to impress on the minds of those that go to the south, the 
.sin of slavery. 

Rev. Mr. Phelps spoke of the aggravation of the crime for those who 
go from a land of liberty and engage in slavery; and that such are consid- 
ered as representatives of the people at the North; and from their conduct, 
it is of course taken as an admitted truth, that the people at the North ap- 
prove of slavery.' 

Ilev. Mr. Kaxd, in a vein of irony, took up the arguments which those 
must in reality adopt, v/ho sati'^fy their con>ciences in the practice of slave- 
holding; in which he spoke of the spirit of the gospel as adapting itself to 
the various circumstnnces of society. 

Mr. Jewett, late of the Theological Seminary of Andover, in reply to 
IMr. Rand, spoke of the Catholics as practising according to this principle 
of accommodi'.tion. 

Rev. Mr. Grosyenor gave some explanation of ]Mr. Rand's remarks.which 
were not understood by all; and carried them out, so as much to interest and 
gratify the audience, lie, in allusion to ministers marrying slave's mis- 
tresses in order to meliorate the condition of the slave, stated, that kindness 
to the slaves is a curse to them; for if they are kindly treated, their sus- 
ceptibilities arc rendered more acute, which makes their separation and 
the subsequent cruel treatment they may receive alter the death of their 
master, so much the more cruel and painful. 

Rev. Mr. Curtis, and the President, Rev. Mr. Root, stated the great 
responsibility which must rest upon us, if we pass this resolution. If we do 



it, wo cannot felldwship or invite into our pulpits such slave-boIJing minis- 
ters. 

On proposing Hic resolution for adoption, the whole congrogntion were 
reqiiestcfl to express their a[)probation or disapprobation by rising: when 
Dniv tno voted in the negative, on the resnhition. 

Mr. JMiLLs, ot'Dunbaiton, introduced with a few remarks the following 
evolution. 

Resohrd. Tlnl no mnii li:is, nr cnn liavp, a right at UU discretion, to en.«!iave his brother, to hiild 
r :ickiio«lfilj;(^hiiii tor one nioinfiit a.^ an aiticie of properly or incrdiaiidise; to keep hack \\'i» liire 
•v iVaiid, or Id liiiilalizi! his iniiid \>y v\ illiholdiii^ fiomhiin lh(! iiipaiis of iiiltlleclual, iMor;il, and re- 
triiiiis iiiiproxemciil ; and ilifidore, that coii.-idcriii!; the. civil aird icliginiis |)ri\ilcjjc.s of this nalion, 
lid lis own cxposillDii nf lliej^real docliiiie of human rights, llic gisiil of Iiid ojiprf»>ioii id uncqiuiitd 
y lliut of any nation on liic face of iht; earth. 

Mr. TnoMi'snx, of Ennlnnd, seconded (ho niodon; and in a most 
prcible and eloquent address presented the evil and sin of slave- 
y. It is irrpossible to give, in print, any just idea of his Chtislian el- 
queiice. The principle he maintnined i^, that the slave has a right to 
imself; and then enumerated the various things of which he is forcibly 
eprived against his will. He had never sold himseJf, never given himself 
,vay,and JO on.. In his introductory remark?, he commented with some 
jverity on those two who had voted in the negative on the previous leso- 
itinn. 

One of the gentlemen now desired tn be heard in defence. To o-ive him 
lis opportunity, the motion to adopt that resolution was reconsidered; and 
was again brought up for discussion, lie then sfatcd his objections; and 
at he could not accuse such men as guilty of a sin of the blackest dye. 
It .vas then moved and seconded, that the objectionable words be strick- 
rout. 

Mr. Thompson then replied with great force .and eloquence. To claim 
B riglit of holding a human bein<i- as property, is assuming the preros^ativc 
lich belongs only to Almighty God. Jehovah alone has a liiiht to say of 
y human being, ' He is mine.' And for one who claims to he a mini-ter 
Jehovah, an expounder of ihe truths of his revelation, one too who has 
en educated in a land of freemen, to make slaves of J;is fellows, consti- 
fs u crime of the blachest di/e. 

Mr. Porter said, if we adopt this amendment, it \viH be rec:arded as a 

inquishment of the principle which is tlie basis of all our efforts in this 

use; and will be carryiiigus back ten years in the progress of benevolent 

provements. The principle has long since been adopted in our temper- 

;e operations. We have said that the traffic in ardent spirit, particulailv 

a deacon or a professor of relioion, is a crime of the deepest dye ; net 

to t we say such men are the wickedest men in the community. We say 

3 that they may know what we think, and where our well established 

nciples lead us. So we do not say of the Christian slave-holder, that he 

he wickedest man in the comnninity; but we c;ill thesin he is commitling, 

! we regard as of the blackest dye, in order that he may know how we 

w it, and that he maybe brought to give the subject an examination, and 

epent of his sin. \Ve wish also to let those who may hereafter go to 

South and do likewise, know that while they are doing it, they are wil- 

y committing a sin of the blackest dye. 

The President and some others still, doubted the propriety of calling 
sin of the blackest dye. The President asked, 'Is not murder a sin of a 
per dye?' 
'o test this, Mr, Grosvenor said: — I have left at home my wife and chi!^ 



rreal 



8 

rlren: during my absence some ruffian enters iny dwelling, and during the 
hours of night completes his fell designs. As I enter the house o*n my return, a 
horrible sight meets my view. Behold! my wife and children have all been 
murdered. Again: — While thus absent, a manstealer enters my premises, and 
finds my children at their play. When on my return, I enter the house, I am 
told, ' the wicked manstealer has been here, and carried away our dear little 
Emma into slavery never to return.' Every day thereafter, I think of dear 
Emma, sulijected to all the evils and enduring all the toils of slavery, and more 
than all, su!)ject to the unbridled lust of her tyrannical master. Which of these 
men, sir, should I regard as guilty of a sin of the blackest dye? 

At this point of his remarks, there was a general burst of indignation against 
the domineering and licentious manstealer: and the cry of ' enough! enough!' 
from many quarters. 

The amendment was rejected, and the original resolution was passed with 
nearly a unanimous vote. 

Wednesday Morning. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Stowell. 

The resolution, which was discussed at length last evening, was taken up for 
re-consideration. The principal speakers were Rev. Messrs. Cutler, Storrs, 
Putnam, Phelps, Root, Curtis, Stowell, and Mr. Thompson. 

The question of debate was, whether it is correct to say that for a mhiister of 
the gospel to go to the south and hold slaves, is a sin of the deepest dye; and 
admitting that it is, is it expedient for us to say so. 

Mr. Thompson remarked, we do not say it is the crime of the blackest dye, 
but it is one of that class. 

To meet the views of all, the resolution was amended, by the addition of the 
words included in brackets. 

Voted, on motion of Rev. Mr. Storrs, that the thanks of this Convention be 
presented to the Rev Mr. GrosvenOr,for his very able and interesting discourse, 
delivered yesterday on Slavery, and that a copy be requested for publication. 

Messrs. Storrs and Worth, were accordingly appointed a committee to wait 
on Rev. Mr. Grosvenor, and express to him the above. 

Mr. Bacon stated,that Mr. Oaks of Ipswich had made a donation to the Con- 
vention of anti-slavery publications, to the amount of 20 dollars. A vote of 
thanks was passed to Mr. Oaks, for his liberal donation and measures taken for 
a proper distribution. 

The committee then reported the following: 

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS. 

Resolved, That aspubri'; opinion is tlie element of power in this country, every individual in the 
community and especially all Christians have solemn obligations resting upon them, to " remember 
them tiiatare in bonds as bound with them," to offer up fervent prayers in their behalf, and to do all 
in their power in a Christian way, by the circulation of |)ublicatious, &c., to change public sentiment, 
and^bring deliverance to the oppressed; and that the anti-slavery energies and influence of this state 
may be combined and organized to the best possible advantage; this Convention earnestly recommend 
the iitrmaiiou of local societies, auxiliary to the State society, as extensively and speedily as possible, 
throughout the state. 

FEMALE SOCIETIES. 

Resolved, That this Convention regards as a duty biiulingon all of every age, sex, and condition 
in society, to " remember them that are in bonds, aa bound with th em," and does therefore regard 
with higli Si'tisfcation the formation of Female Anti-Slavery Societ ies, and consider the general co- 
operation of Aine.icaa ladies in the holy cause of emancipation, as essential to the overthrow of slave- 
ry in the land. 

Mr. Thompson spoke of what the ladies .have done and are doing in Eng- 
land. Their business has been to collect funds; get names to petitions, en- 
gage men to write poetry and short pieces in prose, to be printed on fire boards, 
on cards, on silk, and on ivory, for parlor ornaments, and also on porcelain 
ware. Such a coastant appeal to the eye, tends to keep the subject constantly 



before the mind, and naake* it one of daily L"onver«ation. In getting •igners (o 
petitions, ihe ladies of Great Britain have been peculiarly successful, and their 
petitions have had weight in Parliament. One petition of theirs for the aboli- 
tion of slavery had 187,000 signatures, and required four men to carry it into 
the house. On this occasion, it was said in Parliament, — ' It is now time for 
us to act, since the women have come thundering at our doors.' The ladies are 
very successful in obtaining funds ; they have a short cut to the gentlemen's 
pockets. Their arguments are much more irresistible and eflective than those 
of the men. They obtain funds also by their bazars. At Manchester they 
raised 1000 pounds, nearly 5000 dollars, in tliis way. The ladies can difl'use 
information ; they can talk on the subject in the family and in the social circles. 
The influence of the ladies has been felt on the British Parliament. - They man- 
ifested a determination, and the Parliament felt it, never to give over laboring 
and petitioning, until slavery should be abolished. We have been told that it 
is unwomanly, unfeminine for ladies to be engaged in this cause ; that the sub- 
ject is a political one. It is a great moral and religious question, it is a ques- 
tion pertaining t© humanity. Do you say it is unfeminine for a female to labor 
and plead in behalf of the injured slave ? She would be more unfeminine if 
she could overlook the situation of many of her sex in the southern states. — 
Can she see the marriage relation unregarded, all the nicer sensibilities of her 
sex annihilated, and all the licentiousness incident to slavery, and not feel and 
act for her injured and oppressed sisters, and yet claim the character of wo- 
man? 

What is Slavery ? 
Resolved, That those who define slavery >o confriit in mere invohintary servitude, and compare it 
with tlie services I endered by apprenticei and minors, do, in our apprehension, entirely mistake its 
meaning. The slavery which we oppose, is ite holding of men as property, and treHting them not as 
persons, but as things, not as men, but as brutes, and exacting of them services without rendering 
them any equivalent, and without any view to their benefit. 

Amalgamation. 
Resolved, That slaveholder.^ and their apologists, and all who in any way tolerate and help to per- 
petuate the system of sLivery in this country, are the only real advocates and promoters of the ^amal- 
gamation of the white and colored races, and in a way which makes it offensive]and criminal. _3, 7,^, 

On this subject, there was considerable remark, in which JMessrs. Phelps, 
Grosvenor and Rand, participated. Many facts were spoken of to show that 
it is chiefly among those who regard slaves as property, as things to be used 
or Rbused at pleasure, that amalgamation usually takes place, and that too un- 
der circumstances the most criminal. The case of a man of dislinclion{.'!) 
at the south, who had made his fortune by selling his own children, was alluded 
to. Another was that of a family of sisters whose father had left in his will 
his own colored children free, but whose will was questioned and set aside ; 
and the black girls were sold at auction by their own half sisters. 

Makual Labor High Sshool. 
In view of the general v/ant of mental cultivation of the colored population 
of our country ; of the disadvantages under which they too often labor in avail- 
ing themselves of privileges which they ought to enjoy in common with others, 
and of the high and growing importance of the improvement of that oppressed 
portion of our community, — 

Resolved, That this Convention cordially approve of the recommendation of the N. E. A. S. Con- 
vention at their meeting in May last, in the city of Boston, that a Manual Labor High School be es- 
tablished as soon as practicable in some most eligible portion of New England, for their literary and 
moral improvement and elevation. 

Communications were read to the Convention from several distinguished 



10 

gentlemen from abroad, who enter heartily into the great work of emancipa- 
tion. [See Appendix.] 

Mr. Thompson. 

Resolved, That this Convention most cordially and affectionately welcome to this country, their 
friend and fellow laborer, George Thompson, who after having labored with great acceptance and 
Buccesa in the cause of human liberty in Great Britain, has now come among us, sustained by the lib- 
erality of British Christians, the representative of the views and feelings of a large class of the most 
devoted Christians in that country, among whom are such men as Drs. Hough, Cox, VVardlaw, Rev. 
John Angel James, George Stephens, Esq., &c. to aid us in the great work of abolishing slavery in 
these United States — and believing that he csmes among us as a friend and brother, desirous only of 
promoting the true interest and highest glory of our beloved land, and that his labors will be of emin- 
ent service in the work before us, we would cordially and affectionately recommend him to the court- 
esy, confidence and friendship of the Christian community. 

Resolved further. That Mr. Thompson be invited to occupy tlie session of the convention this 
evening, or so much of the time as may bo necessary to give us his views on the general subject of 
slavery. 

UNION OF ALL DENOMINATIONS IN THE CAUSE. 

Resolved, That all distinction of sects or denominations of Christians in our efforts to abolish slav- 
ery, should bo forgotten, and all Christians of every name sheuld unite cordially in this labor of love, 

PETITIONS TO CONGRESS FOR ABOLISHING SLAVEP.Y IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

On thi.g subject, in which all christians can unite, it was • 

Resolved, That this Convention regards it as the solemn duty of all friends of liberty and religion, 
to" exert their utmost influence for the immediate abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia and 
the territories. To this end, it is highly important to send petitions to Congress the present year, to 
take immediate action on the subject; and tiiat a committee of three be now appointed to prepare an 
address to the people of New Hampshire, aud also, a form of petition both for males and females. 

Agreeably to the foregoing resolution, the following committee was appoint- 
ed for the purposes therein specified, viz :■ — John Farmer, Esq., Geerge Kent, 
Esq., and Rev. R. A. Putnam. 

EXPATRIATION. 

On this subject, the Convention after considerable discussion 

Resolved, That all schemes of expatriation, however well intended, considered as a sabstitute for, 
or a condition of emancipation, are unjust in principle, and oppressive in operation. 

Rev. Mr. Phelps introduced the resolution by remarks on the compulsory 
measures soTietimes resorted to at the South, particularly in Maryland, to roi»i- 
j)t/ the blacks to emigrate. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Grosvenuu in a 
similar strain. 

Rev. Mr. Porter had doubts as to the expediency of passing any resolution 
on a subject which related to colonization. There is an impression abroad that 
one great object of these Anti-Slavery Conventions, and our Anti-Slavery so- 
cieties, is to oppose colonization, and to denounce its friends. Our great ob- 
ject is to oppose and bring slavery to an end, and to turn aside from this to the 
comparatively trifling subject of colonization is unadvisable. We shall gain 
a much better hearing from many good people, if it can be said of this Con- 
vention, that they let colonization alone. Prof Follen's address has from this 
very fact, been attentively read by many who would not otherwise have oxaniin- 
ed it. On the whole, then, unless some weighty reasons should be given why 
this resolution should now pass, he preferred that it might lie on the table. 

Rev. Mr. Pi'tnaim said, he was a member of the Colonization Society, and 
thought that society might do good in its appropriate sphere ; but it was his 
oi)inion, and he presumed the opinion of most of the good people of New- 
England, that it could never prove an adequate remedy for slavery. He thought 



« H 

such a resolution was demanded, and would not be objected te, but rather ap- 
proved by the colonizationistsof New-England. 
The resolution was then passed unanimously. 

0OMK3TIC SLAVE TRADE. 

The Convention, 

Resolved, That, the domestic slave-trarle, as now carried on in iheec United States, it a legitiin- 
alo fruit of slave-iiolding, for which slave-holders, and those who uphold the syiteni of »IaTery arc 
mainly responsible; and that it is no less atrocious in the sight of God, than tho foreign slave trade, 
and ought to be vie\»cd and treated as piracy. 

PLAN OF OPERATIONS OF THE ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY. 

Rev. Mr. Bouton moved the following resolution : 

Resolved, That a committee of three be np])ointed to state definitely, in distinct propositions, the 
several modes of operation proposed by the Anti-slavery Society, for the abolition of slavery. 

Rev. Messrs. Grosvenor, Phelps and Bouton were appointed this committee. 

At the evening session, they handed in the following : — 

The committee report : — That, as they understand the matter, tho x\nti- 
Slavery society proposes the immediate and entire emancipation of all the 
slaves in this land. And they propose to effect this object, 

First. By the general measure of correcting the public sentiment of the 
nation, both in the free and slave states; believing that when this sentiment is 
thus set right, tli€ nation, acting as a nation by Congress, will abolish slavery 
in the district of Columbia, and the territories; and the slave states, acting at 
states, will abolish it in their limits. 

Second. In regard to the details of the matter, the committee suppose that 
public sentiment is to be corrected on this subject, as on (he subject of intem- 
perance, 

1. By means of the press. 

2. By means of the pulpit. 

3. By means of lecturers and agents, who shall in various ways bring the 
subject before the community. 

And the committee believe, that as these modes of operation form our Sa- 
viour's plan for reforming the world in respect to all kinds of sin, they will be 
efficacious under the divine bleseing, to the reform of this nation, in re«pect 
to the sin of slave-holding. 

All which is respectfully Bubmitted,&c. 

SCHOOLS FOR COLORED YOUTH. 
Resolved, We regard with approbation the plan of establishing schools that will not, either ky 
form of law or of prejudice oftentimes stronger ttan law, exclude colored youth from a participation 
in their benefits; and the proposed Academy ia Canaan in this state, with reference to the princi- 
ple, meets our views, and is rc«ommcndcd to the countenance and support of ilio friends of the people 
of color. 

COMPENSATION. 

The subject of compensation was largely discussed. On the one hand it 
was maintained by Mr. Cutler and others, that if giving a compensation for the 
slaves would be a .means of hastening their emancipation, it was best to doit. 

On the other, it was claimed, that the olTer of a compensation is an admis- 
sion that slave-holders have a right to their slaves, and that it is not wrong to 
continue the system. Mr. Phelps wished emancipation to be put on the groinid 
of a restoration of that on which the holder has no claim. All evangelical re- 
pentance should be followed by immediate, unconditional restitution of what 



12 • 

had been unjustly withheld. Mr. Rand asked, How can the slave-holder claim 
compensation for that which does not belong to him. 

Mr. Thompson alluded to the compensation system, as one which had given 
great oftence to the people of England, as well as the whole apprentice sys- 
tem. He said the British parliament would be again petitioned on this subject, 
and be obliged to change their policy. 

At the close of these remarks, the convention 

Resolved, That it ia the deliberate opinion of this Convanlion, that immediate •mancipation is the 
only just, 6afi», and efficient remedy for slavery in thes* United Statei; nnd that in the event of such 
■ettlement of the question, the slave-owner could establish no rifhteoue claim to compensation. 

Voted, to adjourn to the Baptist Meeting House. 

Wednesday Evening. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Grosvenor. 

Mr. Thompson lectured for two houfs to a full congregation. His principal 
theme was, the Bible view of slavery. At the close, he gave much mforma- 
tion of the subject of Hayti. 

WIIHHOLDING THE BIBLE FROM SLAVES. 

Retolved, That while this Convention rejoices in any indications that our fellow-citiiens at the 
south arc awakening to an apprehension of the claims of the slaves for instruction, they do, neverthe- 
less, most solemnly protest agaiast the practice of keeping them ignorant of the use of letters, ' and 
deem all plans lamentably and wickedly deficient, which wiltiiUy, withhold the oracles of Sod: ■ such 
plans being contrary alike to Protestantism and genuine Christianity. 

MONTHLY CONCERT OP PRAYER FOB BLAVES. 

The Convention earnestly recommend to all the friends of liberty and relig- 
ion, either to observe the last Monday evening in each month as a monthly con- 
cert of prayer for the abolition of slavery in this land, and throughout the 
world, or to appropriate a portion of the first Monday evening for this purpose, 
iu connexion with the established concert. 

ADDHESeES AND PETITfoNS TO CONGRESS. 

This convention respectfully and earnestly recommend to all ministers of the 
gospel in this state, of every denomination, who are in favor of the immediate 
abolition of flavery in the District of Columbia and the territories, under the 
jurisdiction of congress, to deliver an address upon the subject to their respec- 
tive congregations immediately, in order that petitions to Congress for this ob- 
ject may be sent in at the next session; and also, if thought proper, to take up 
a collection in aid of the Anti-slavepy cause, to be transmitted to the treasurer 
of the state society. * 

A collection was taken up to defray the expenses of the Convention. 

Voted, that Messrs. J. B. Chandler, T. Chadbourne and A. Cady, Esq. be 
a committee to express the thanks of this convention to the proprietors of the 
Baptist and Congregational Meeting Houses for their use during this session. 

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to prepare the Minutes of this convention for 
publication, and publisk them in such papers in the state as arc willing to do it, and also, in a paraph - 
let form for general circulation, and that this committee consist of the secretaries. Rev. Mr. Storra, 
E. S. Chadwick, and Albe Cady, Esq. 

Voted, to dissolve . Prayer by Rev. Mr. Rand. 

DAVID ROOT, President. 



Edmund Worth, > „ ^ . 
John B. Chandlbr. } S««retane». 



REMARKS. 



It is but a short time since the subject of emancipation has been agitated in 
New Hampshire. True it is, that wc have long slumbered over the miseries 
of captive man and have refused to feel and weep over the sins of our beloved 
country. But a great change is taking place; our fellow citizens are awaking 
from their lethargies, and public sentiment is becoming more correctj'more in 
accordance with the word of God. It has been taught that Slavery is only a 
political sin, and consequently christians, or, especially ministers of the gospel, 
should not meddle with the subject; but it is now an opinion, supported by the 
Bible, that slavery is a sin, a moral evil, and that, against which the principles 
of our holy religion, and the commands of God make it the imperious duly of 
every christian and minister to contend. 

The friends of the cause called this convention with some reluctance, 
knowing that but very Uttle had been done in this slate for its advancement, 
and fearing that but few would be disposed to attend and, therefore, the at- 
tempt might prove a failure; but having full confidence that truth was on 
their side, and that the cause was a righteous one — one that Heaven would 
bless, they were induced to move forward, and the result has far surpassed 
their most sanguine expectations. Between forty and fifty delegates were 
present, and, according to the information communicated on the occasion 
from different parts of the stale, it is evident that the doctrine of immediate 
emancipation is rapidly spreading and gaining a strong hold on the moral 
feelings of society. *' Verily truth is mighty and will*prevail." 

As the opposers to immediate emancipation have [endeavored to create 
some alarm from the circumstance that so many of the gentlemen who at- 
tached their names to the Notice calling the convention, were clergymen, 
it may be proper to remark that, in this, there was no design by the com- 
mittee, but it arose from the fact that no correspondence had ever been held 
with gentlemen in different sections of the State, consequently the views 
of those in a more private capacity, who were favorable to the cause, were 
not known, and therefore the committee were under the necessity of con- 
sulting such whose views had been ascertained. 

It is not the design of these remarks, however, to attempt a refutation of 
the arguments of the opposer — every good cause has opposition, and this is 
manifested sometimes by very good rnen who do not see so soon as others, 
the correctness of the principles advocated, and, again by others, whose 
hearts are radically opposed to that which is good. And the arguments 
raised against the truth, however plausibly they may be presented, general- 
ly incorporate in themselves their own refutation, which, upon examination, 
will be clearly discovered. 

The session was harmonious and the business and discussions were con- 
ducted with a christian spirit. An acknowledgement is due to the gentle- 
man whose Notes have been consulted in preparing these Minutes for the 
press. 

It is hoped, that this subject will be candidly considered and fully inves- 
tigated, and that a consistent and just course may be adopted by the Amer- 
ican people in relation to oter two millions of their fellow-beings now 
held in slavery. 



\ 



TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE 



The undersigned, appointed a Committee for the purpose by tlie Anti- 
Slavery Convention, recently held at Concord, in this State, beg leave, res- 
pectfully, yet earnestly, to call your attention to the subjects of Slavery and 
the American Slave-Trade, as they exi>-t in the Territories belonging to 
this Union, and more particularly in the District of Columbia. 

We are well a»varc that Congress has, under the present Constitution, no 
power to abolish Slavery in any state of the Union. This is a matter in 
respect to which each state alone has the power to legislate. At the same 
time we are equally a\vare, and would impress it upon the minds of all our 
fellow citizens that Congress has, by this same constitution, as full and un- 
controlled a right to legislate for the abolition of slavery and the slave- 
trade in the District and the Territories, as has any individual state to do 
the same within its own limits. The Constitution expressly provides, that 
Congress shall have the power "to exercise exclusive legislation, in (ill cases 
whatsoever, over such district, not exceeding ten miles square, as may, by 
session of particular states, and the acceptance of Congiess, become the 
seat of Gov'mt cfthe U. S ;" and, as is well known, Congress has the same 
unrestricted jurisdiction over the Territories. So long then as we allow 
the representatives of New Hampshire, to sit silent and inactive in relation 
to this subject, in our National Assembly — without an effort even, to abol- 
ish slavery and Uie trafKc in slaves in the very capital of our common coun- 
try, so long is New Hampshire a slave-holding and a slave-trading state — 
as truly so as Maryland or Virginia: so long are the people of New Hamp- 
shire, in common with others, strictly and literally guilty of holding more 
than 26,000 human beings in hopeless and unmitigated bondage; nay more, 
of sanctioning and upholding a sf/.s/t?»i (and so becoming answerable for its 
results) which, in the states, dooms more than two millions of native born 
Americans, with their posterity, through all succeeding generations, to a 
bondage not surpassed in rigor, cruelty, hopelessness and guilt by any bond- 
age on the face of the earth. Slavery then, — and especially the slavery in 
Ihe District of Columbia and the Territories, is a National sin. The guilt 
and shame of tolerating and upholding it, are therefore strictly national. — 
It thus becomes the right — nay the solemn duty of every and all the peo- 
ple in every part of the land, to interfere, and through their representatives 
in Congress, put forth their power for its abolition. The duty is solemn and 
imperative, and cannot be neglected by any one without incurring the guilt 
of consenting to, and abetting a system of robbery and oppression that daily 
and hourly robs millions of their dearest and most sacred rights, and dooms 
them and the unborn generations of their posterity, to hopeless, ceaseless, 
unmitigated thraldom. 

Permit us to lay before you a few facts. There arc more than 26,000 
persons held as slaves in the sections of country already named; and of 
these, more than 6,000 are ^n the District of Columbia. 

Their bondage is in all essential respects, the same as that existing in the 
several slave states — a bondage whose laws and u=ages rob human beings 
of their humanity, men of their manhood, and degrade them to the condition 
of mere property — goods and chattels — to be bought and sold, bartered, 
leased, mortgaged, tasked, fettered, scourged, beaten, &.c. like the veriest 
brutes, and shuts up the soul to ignorance, degredntion and death. It is a 
bondage under which, men, made in God's image, and endowed by God 



16 

with the same inalienable rights with their oppressors, are shut out by law 
from the protection of\a.w — being protected only as property, and not as 
men, having the rights of men. A slave in Louisiana " is one who is in the 
power of the master to whom he belongs. The master may sell him, dis- 
pose of his person, his industry, his labor; he can do nothing, possess noth- 
ing, nor require any thing, but what must belong to his master.* A slave 
in the District of Columbia is the same. His body is not his own. His 
limbs are not his own. His wife and his children are not his own. His 
industry and his labor are not his own. His mind is not his own. His in- 
genuity and attainments are none of them his own. But body and mind, 
himself and fannly and posterity with his and their industry, labor, ingenu- 
ity and attainments — all belong to another, so that " he can do nothing, 
possess nothing, nor acquire any thing but what must belong to his mas- 
ter." Such is the yoke which is fastened on the neck of more than 26,000 
human beings in the territories and the capital of this boasted Republic. 

It is not our purpose to enlarge on this part of the subject by going into 
a detail of the various cruelties to which these slaves are subjected. It is 
enough to say that they are slaves — the absolute property of their masters, 
and that we know of no reason to prevent their being subjected to the same, 
or similar cruelties with slaves elsewhere. We wish ratiier to call your 
attention particularly to the trade in the souls and bodies of men, which 
grows out of this ownership of their persons, and must ever exist to some 
extent, wherever by the laws of the land, men are held as goods and chat- 
tels, but which is carried on in the District of Columbia, within sight of the 
Cipitol, to an extent, and under circumstances, that at once aggravate its 
guilt, and make its character horrible and revolting in the highest degree. 

We know not how to bring this subject before you better than by laying 
before you the following statements, made, after careful investigation, in a 
preamble to resolutions offered by Mr. Miner of Pennsylvania, to the House 
of Representatives, 9th January, 1829, and then illustrating the truth of 
these statements by facts. 

' Whereas the laws in respect to slavery within the District have been al- 
most entirely neglected; from which neglect, for hearly SO years, have 
grown numerous and gross corruptions. 

' Slave dealers gaining confidence from impunity, have made the seat of 
the Federal Government their head quarters for carrying on the domestic 
slave-trade. 

'■ The public prisons have been extensively used (perverted from the pur- 
poses for which they were erected)for carrying on the domestic slave-trade. 

' Officers of the Federal Government have been employed and derive 
emoluments from carrying on the domestic slave-trade, 

' Private and secret prisons exist in the District for carrying on the traf- 
fic in human beings. 

' The trade is not confined to those who are slaves for life; but persons 
having a limited time to serve, are bought by the slave-dealers, and sent 
where redress is hopeless. 

' Others are kidnapped and hurried away before they can be rescued. 

' Instances of death, from the anguish of despair, exhibited in the Dis- 
trict, mark the cruelty of this traffic. 

' Instances of maiming and suicide, executed, or attempted, have been 
exhibited, growing out of this traffic within the District. 

* Free persons of color coming into the District, are liable to arrest and 

*CivilCode of Louisi;^na, Art. 35. 



17 

imprisonment, and sold into slavery for life, for jail fees, if unable (Vom igno- 
rance, misfortune or fraud, to prove their freedom. 

■'Advertisements beginning, " AVe will give cash for 100 likely young 
negroes of both sexes from eight to twenty-five years old," contained in the 
public prints of the city, under the notice of Congress, indicate the openness 
ant! extent of the tratBc. 

< Scenes of human beings exposed at public vendue are exhibited here, 
[at Washington] permitted by thp laws of the General Government.' 

The above statements, it is believed, give a correct view of the present 
state of tlie slave-trade in the District of Columbia. We propose to take 
them up one by one and illustrate them by facts. 

' Slave-dealers have made the scat of the Federal Government their head- 
quarters for carryino- on the domestic Slave-trade.'^ 

This is evident from the following advertisement copied from the Wash- 
ington "Globe" of the 18 July, 1834. 

CASH FOR NEGROES. 
We will pay the highest price for any number of likely Negroes, fi-om 12 to 25 j-ears of age. As 
we are at this time permanently settled in the market, we can at all times Ije found at >ir. Isaac 
Beers' Tavern, a few doors below Lloyd's Tavern, op[)osite to the Centre Market, in Washington, 
I). C, or at Mr. McCandless's Tavern, Corner of Bridge and High street, Georgetown. Persons 
having servants to dispose of, will find it to their advantage to give us a call. 

June 10. BIRCH & JONES. 

And still more recently, as the dates will show, a single'paper in that city 
has the following. 

CASH FOR 100 NEGROES, 

Including both seKes, from 12 to 25 years of age. Persons having likely' servants to dispo.se of, 
will find it to their interest to give us a call, as wc will give higher prices iu cash than any otJier pur- 
chaser who is now in this ciiy. We arc at all times to he found at Mr. Isaac Beers' Tavern, a few 
doors below Lloyd's Tavern, opposite the Centre Market, Washington 'City. All communications 
promptly attended to. , BIRCH & JONES, 

Sept. 1, 1834. 

CASH FOR 200 NEGROES. 

We will give cash for 200 likely young Negroes, of both sexes, families included. Persons having 
to dispose of their slaves will do well to give us a call,as we will give higher prices in cash ihari any 
other purchasers who are now, or may be hereafter in this market. All communications will meet at- 
tention. We can at all times be found at our residence on 7ihst. immediately South of the Centre, 
Market House, Washington, D. C. JOSEPH W.^NEAL & CO. 

Sept. 13. 

CASH FOR 400 NEGROES, 

Including both sexes, from 12 to 25 years of age. Persons having likely serA'ants to dispose of will 
find it to their interest to give us a call, as we will give higher prices, in cash, than any purchaier 
who is now, or may hereafter come into this market. 

Alexandria, Sept. 1. FRANKLIN, ARMFIELD & CO. 

ALEXANDRIA & NEW -ORLEANS PACKETS. 
Brig TRIBUNE, Capt. Smiih, and Brig UNCAS, Capl. Boush, will resume their regw/urtripa 
on the 20th Oct. ono of which will leave this port every thirty days throughout the shipping season. 
They are vessels of the first class, commanded by experienced olficers, and will ut all limes go up the 
Mississippi by steam, and every exertion vised to prt)mote the iutcresl o( shippers and the comfort 
of passengers. Apply to the Captain on board, or to FRANKLIN & ARMFIELD. 

Alexandria, Sept. 1- 

The above advertisements are decisive of the fact that "slave-dealers 
have made the seat of the Federal Government their head-quarters''^ for 
carrying on this guilty traffic. They assure us of the existence, at this mo- 
ment, in the District of no less than three copartnerships formed and "per- 
mancnthf established there for this purpose — all of which are driving their 
horrilde business, both by land and sea, "as regularly and systematically 
as any trade that is driven between New- York and Liverpool or Havre." 

S 



18 

One of them, it seems, has two brigs sailing regularly from Alexandria to 

New-Orleans " every thirty days throughout the shipping season.'''' And the 
fact that these three establishments have together, in a single paper, ad- 
vertised for SEVEN HUWDKED slaves, shows at once, that the trading season 
has commenced, and (hat the trade is driven to an extent truly appalling. 

For the purpose of laying the secrets of this guilty busine-s more lully 
before you, we subjoin the following account of a visit to the prison of one 
of these establishments, by the editor of the New- York Evangelist. 

"Washington Citt, Jan. 23, 1831. 
Mr. J. W. Benedict, — I have just returned from a scene, which, till I 
came here, I had not expected soon to witness. And though 1 am glad of 
one opportunity, yet for the honor of my country, for humanity, for my own 
feelings, I wish never to witness it again. 1 have seen wilh my own eyes, 
under the jurisdiction of the Congress of the United States, the place, per- 
sons, apparatus and subjects of the 

THE AMERICAN SLAVE-TRADE." 

» # # * * It is in Alexandria, and i3 "a handsome three stcry 
brick house, very handsomely painted, with green blinds. It had a large 
yard, perhaps 300 feet square, enclosed by a close board fence, neatly 
whitewashed, and almost filled with various small buildings. Over the door 
was the sign, FranklIx'^ h. Ariifield. We knocked, and were introduced 
to the office where was a very gentlemanly person, who was one of the 
principals of the concern. Tho other partner resides at New-Orleans. — 
We told him we vvere from the North, where we had no slaves, and that 
having come to a slave-holding country, we had a desire to see for our- 
selves a little of the operation of the slave-trade. — He replied ihat he would 
be very happy to give us all the information in his power. And he did an- 
swer all our enquiries, so far as we could judge, with perfect . iairness. — 
He said he could tell, very nearly the .vhole number of slaves carried from 
the District in a year. The number, last year, was about 1,000, but it 
would be very much increased this year. The rise in the price of cotton 
at the South — the pressure for money at the North, would bring a great 
many slaves into the market. He expected their house alone would ship 
at least 11 or 1200. They have two vessels of their own constantly em- 
ployed in carrying slaves to New-Orleans. The vessels are brigs, of a- 
bout 160 to 200 tons, and they usually carry about a slave to a ton. A 
principal reason of their purchasing the vessels was to prevent the holds 
from being over crowded. Before, when they depended upon freighting, 
as the more slaves the more profit to the ship owner, the vessels used to 
be so much crowded that the slaves would get sick, and so come to market 
in bad order. It was lor his interest to have them appear fresh and healthy. 
To the question whether this slave-trade ever led to the buying and selling 
those who were lawfully free, he said, he had no doubt it frequently did, 
for said he, "every kind of business is cursed with mean fellows, and there 
are such characters in ours, who v,'ould not mind buying a man they knew 
to be free, if they could get him at half price." But he had done all in 
his power to prevent such things. It was an object with him to do bu-^iness 
in such a way that gentlemen who traded with their house should always 
know who they dealt wilh. 

He then politely invited us to go out and see the slaves. We were fir«t 
taken into a paved- yard 40 or 50 feet square, with a very high brick wall, 
and about half of it covered with a roof. The wall was whitewashed, and 



Id 

Iho pavement perfectly clean. A pump in the centre furnished an ample 
supply of water. In the covered part was a long table set with tin plates, 
each containing an allowance of bread and boiled meat, appaiently whole- 
some in qnnlity, and sufficient in quantity for persons confined to a space so 
limited, without labor. This yard is appropriated to tiie men, the two sex- 
es being eniircly separated, except at iheir meals. lie ordered the men to 
be called out from the cellar where (hey sleep, and they soon came up, to 
(he number, I should say, of 50 or GO, :ind ranged themselves irregularly 
before us. They were all of them sufficiently clothed, as far as 1 could 
judge, having also shoes and stockings. He pointed to two young men, 
whose clothes were quite comfortable, and almost new, and said, " those 
fellows are from Virginia, and that is the way the Virginia niggers come. 
I gave ;^500 apiece for them last week." A boy of sixteen next attract- 
ed notice, who was clad in an abundance of ragged cast otT clothes, inclu- 
ding boots, which were all too large, and made to touch his body in spots 
by the help of strings, "That boy is from Maryland, that's the way 
they come from Maryland. You see the difterence.'" Tliere was none 
among them that looked very old, or eickly, nor could 1 (!iscover any par- 
ticular- indications ot despondency or unhappiiK:-? Several were boys, 
down, 1 should say, to ten years old. 

Wliile ihcy were standing, he ordered the c'Mis to be called out, w'henadoor 
opened, and about 50 v/omea and smoll c'li.'dreii came in and immedialely ar- 
ranged themselves at the table. They were all clothed decently in coarse, 
but apparently comfortable garrnenis. Some three or four had children so 
"young thai they brought them in their arms. And I thought I saw in the fa- 
ces of Ihese mclhcrSi some indications of irrepressible feeling. It seemed to 
me that they hugged their little ones more closelv, and that a cold perspiration 
stood on their foreheads, and I thought I saw tears too. AVhy should they not 
feel ? Suppose it had been your child, and you supposed ver)- likely the stran-f 
gers had come to buy it, and carry it off a thousand miles into hopeless slavery. 
There were about 28 children under 10 years of age. The gentlemansaid the 
way he came to have so many children was, that he had just bought a whole 
gang of 50 or 60, belonging to the estate of a Dr. Marshall, w ho had lately 
died. W hethcr he was a i elation of the Chief Justice, he did not know. Ho 
said he sliould sell them all together, and that they were more valuable in con- 
sequence of their being acquainted, and would fetch a higher price in the mar- 
ket to sell them all together. — He said also, that he would never sell his slaves 
so as to separate husband and wife, or mother and child. He had recently been 
urged to buy a man. He was offered even for twelve and a half cents if he 
would only carry him to New-Orleans. But the fellow had a wife in the 
neighborhood, and they did not like to be separated, and he would have noth- 
ing to do with it. 

From the yard we descended into th6 cellar in which they sleep. It was 
clean, dry and well aired, .with a fire burning briskly in tl:e fire place. There 
was nothing particularly noticable about it, but the strong iron grated door which 
closed the entrance, and two rings made of round iron, about three-fourths of 
an inch thick, fastened in the floor, as far apart as a man's length. I did not 
ask what ihey were for. The proprietor said he was very careful tokeep them 
clean in their persons as well as their rooms: and if any man came up on Mon- 
day morning without a clean shirt he whipped him. 

We next went into the women's chamber, and thence into the hospital. The 
latter was well warmed, with a stove. There were only two sick. One was 
an old woman, that had been brought there to be sold, but she was so sickly he 
would not buy her. She appeared to be in pain. The other w?.» a young 



so 

woman, of quite light complexion and rather intelligent features, who had a 
young infant lying by her on the pillow. There were beds in jlthe hospital 
spread on the lloor. Our next visit was to the cook-room, which made part of 
along, two story hrick building. That building he said was occupied by those 
whom he could trust to go abroad. He said he often bought those in the 
neighborhood, who had good characters, and could be trusted to go at large in 
in the town. In the cook-room, we saw a little boy and girl, five or six years 
old, who were better dressed than the others. Vheir complexions were quite 
light, their features bright and beautiful, and their clothes had an air of neatness 
and taste, such as free mothers love to impart to their little ones. He said the 
mother of these had been with him sometime. Of the whole number that we 
saw, I should judge that about half bore in their complexion, evident traces of 
the white man's blood, and the white man's sin. Indeed, I should think that 
nearly the same propoi-tion holds good, among all the colored people I have 
seen, proving conclusively that not emancipation but slavenj produces the "amal- 
gamation" of the two races, which is so much deprecated, while its causes are 
cherished and retained. We returned to the office, and having declined the 
poHte offer of a glass of wine, or brandy and water, and thanked the proprie- 
tor for his attention, we took our leave. 

He had told us that one of his vessels was in port, and he expected to ship 
a cargo next week. We thought, as we had begun, we had better see the 
whole, so we proceeded to the wharf. We found that the vessel had arrived, 
only two or three days before, and was taking in wood and stores with all 
haste, showing the urgency of the traffic in which she was employed. Her 
name is the " Tribune," The captain very obligingly took us to all parts 
of the vessel. The hold is appropriated to the slaves, and is divided into two 
apartments. The after hold will carry about 80 women and the other about 
100 men. On either side were two platforms, running the whole length, one 
raised a few inches, and the other about half way up to the deck. The were 
about 5 1-2 or 6 feet deep. On them, the slaves lie, as close as they can stow 
away. We asked the captai«, if they were confined : he said no ; he never 
locked down his hatchway, but let them come on deck as they pleased, and he 
never had the least difficulty with them. He said the way to make slaves 
turbulent was, to act as if you were afraid of them. A sensible remark, which 
I wish could be appreciated by those who are trying to lock down the hatch- 
ways upon the mind of the slave, and keep him from the free enjoyment of the 
light of heavenly truth. The captain said he expected to sail on Monday or 
Tuesday, so that before these lines meet the eye of our readers, those whom I 
saw will have passed regularly through all the forms of the United States Cus- 
tom House, as merchandize, " shipped in good order and condition, for and on 
account of the owners," and will be far on the blue waters towards irredeem- 
able bondage and labor, uncompensated and unmitigated, on the cotton fields 
and sugar plantations of Louisiana." 

But there are still other establishments of this kind in the District. One 
other, at least, is that kept by William Robey at the corner of 7th street and 
Maryland Avenue, the following account of which has just been published by 
a gentleman, who visited it in May last. 

" Mr. directed me to the slave-house of Mr. Robey, about half a 

mile north of the Centre Market iu Washington. On arriving at Mr. Robey's, 
I found a small wooden building adjoining a stable, and surrounded by a high 
board fence. Without, were two colored men, one of whom I learned was the 
OT«ri««r of the psrfi I aekod for admittance into the pen, but he refused, say- 



21 

ing it was not customary to admit stningerB. He however soon leCl the plact, 
and I entered into conversation with tlie other, who, witii his wife, belonged 
to Robey. He gave nie his history at length, which I will briefly relate. H« 
said he was raised abont 18 miles Ironi Washington — had a good master. He 
would flog his slaves severely lor using a profane or vnlgar word. His slaves 
could not read ; but went to meeting. At length his master died, and he and 
his wile were sold to a southern trader and brought to Robey's. He was much 
opposed to going South. It was a hot climate — the work would bo new — slaves 
fared hard : he and his wife were now old, about GO— they must be driren GOO 
miles by land, and besides, he wanted to leave his bones in his native State. To 
endure this was too much. He begged and entreated to be sold in Wushinglun 
— begged Robey to buy him — and finally, his petition was granted, and he now 
thought himself comparatively happy. Robey promised to do well by him, but 
had not bought him or his wife any clothes, and their food, although enough, was 
not wholesome. They gwt their own clothes by extra work — he by little jobs ; 
his wife by nursing sick slaves, who generally have a little money to give on 
special occasions. He thought slavery a cruel system. He said he knew God 
cursed Cain with a black skin and curly hair, but he never cursed him with 
slavery. Christ wrote the gospel at the point of his fingers, and did not say 
slavery was right — so it must be wrong. 

During this conversation, I heard within the pen the clanking of chains 
strangely commingling with the sound of music and dancing, and now and 
then a discordant laugh and vulgar oath fell upon my ear. But why the mirth? 
The slaves were now free from labor. Some had escaped a hard service, and 
were anticipating one less severe. My informant said the drivers had flattered 
some to believe that their condition would be improved by going to the South. 
These causes combined, together with their natural fondness- for .music and 
social enjoyment, gave some of them a momentary pleasure. But no promises 
nor threats, could assuage the anguish of others. 'O,' said the slave, 'I have 
seen 50 or 70 slaves taken out of the pen, and the males chained together in 
pairs, and drove off to the South — and how they would cry and gronn, and 
take on and wring their hands ! — but the driver would put on the whip, and 
tell them to shut u]) — so they would go off and bear it as well as they could ! 
Slaves have learnt to make 'the best of their situation: they know they 
must obey, and they try to be happy, but sometimes find it impossible. There 
were 3:3 slaves then in the pen, — sometimes 100. F. & A. of Alexandria usu- 
ally have mere than Robey. I enquired if the slaves male and female were 
separated at night? He said they were. ' But,' said he, the irhife gcnlltmen, 
the drivers and dealers come in every niixht — they came in last night, and staid 
till Mrs. Robty called them to breakfast.^ " 

Such are the scenes which are constantly enacted in the seat of Govern- 
ment of free, republican, christian A-merica! "O shame where'is thy 
blush!'' 

And then, "private and secret prisons exist in the District for carrying 
on the traffic in human Leings, whose localion and number carinot,of course, 
be ascertained. Beside these, travelling traders are frequently coming in- 
to the District and the adjoining States to buy up human cattle for the 
Southern market. 

But, " The public prisons (perverted from the purposes for ^chich they ivere 
erected) have been extensively used for carryiixg on the domestic slave tradc.^^ 

In Rlay, 1826, it was "enacted by the Senate and House of Kepresenla- 
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled," that "the 
sum of five thousand dollars * * be paid out of any money In the Tre asury 



22 

tiot otherwise appropriated, for the purpose of altering and repairing the 
jail in the city of Wisshinglon, so as to make it a suitable, convenient, 
tiealthy and comfortable prison, for the use of (he Chy and County of 
Washington;" and also that "the sum of ten thousand dollars lie paid out of 
any money in the Treasury, not otherwise appropriated," to build "a 
county jail, for the city and county of Alexandria, to be erected and finished 
on a plan approved by the President of the United States." Both these 
enactments were carried i!)tn executioa, but how arc the>e prisons used? 
*'Froni a statement, furnished by a keeper of the jail in Washington, it 
appears that, in five years, upwards of four hundred and Jij I y cohired per- 
sons were committed to the National prison in that one city, lor safe keepings 
that is, until they could be disposed of in the course of the slave trade; — 
besides nearly three hundred v\ho h;id l>een taken up as Runaways.''^ 

Rev. Mr. Phelps of Boston, visited this prison in April last, and makes 
the following statement. 

There are in the prison 16 solitary cells on the lower floor, the debtors 
and criminals' rooms being above. These cells are mostly used for the 
confinement of slaves lodged there by the master as a punishment for some 
fault; of slaves ''suing for their freedom," as they termed it; and of colored 
persons, bond or free, arrested on suspicion of being Runaways. As we 
passed from cell to cell, and, looking tlirough a sniall aperture cut in the 
massy door, asked one and another, '"Well my boy, or my girl, what are 
you here for.'" and heard one reply "For my freedom, Sir," and another 
*'for my freedom. Sir," and another still,' from almost every cell: it was 
enough to crimson one's chetk with shame for his country. We found no 
less \hanthiriec7i individuals in the prison at this time, (!very one of whom 
claimed that they were entitled to their freedom. Among them was one 
Robert Thomas, who had his free paper with liim, but had just been de- 
clared a slave by the District Court, on the ground that the Master had 
first sold the slave to him, and afterwards in a drunken fjolic, given him his 
freedom. His counsel had appealed to the Supreme Court. 

In another cell,ne found a Fanny Jackson, with her three little children, 
one ol the.m an infant at her breast, her husband who was also in ilie pris- 
on, being in a separate cell. They were all* formerly owned, and were 
then claiined by one Asa Buckener of Loudon co, Va , but having been in 
Wasliina^ton, unclaimed by their master, and supporli!)g themselves fijrsix 
or seven years, they were suing for their freedom under an act by which 
, the) were entitled lo it. They had lain in prison awaiting their trial from 
the first of the preceding August — a period of nine moiiths. We spoke to 
the mother — but I will not trust myself to describe the scene — enough that 
she evinced the mother and the wife. 

Rachel Turner was the occupant -of another cell. She was young — had 
been owned for a limited period by Lewis brondey of Baltimore, and was 
to have been free in a year. Mrs. Bromley (her husband being dead) sold 
her to an individual for the time specified, who either changed his name, 
or sold her as a slave for life to one Augt. de Vanteiul who took her to 
Washington and lodged her in the jail for safe keepins: till he should call 
for her, since which time nothinji had been heard from him. Meanwhile the. 
girl had lain in the prison more ihan six months, and the time was just at 
hand when, as tlie keeper informed me, she would be sold for her jail fees 
as a slave for life. A mere trick, no doubt, to take advantage of the law, to 
make her a slave for life. 

On returning from the prison, the lady who accompanied me, (for it was 
a lady, and one who had often aided the poor outcasts) stated that her atten- 



23 

tion was first called to the subject by the tollovving incident. Some leven 
years since, a poor colored man came to her door, walkini^ on his knees; 
for he hiid losi his leg> to the knee, and his arms to the elbow. She en- 
quired how it happened. , He replied that he had been put in prison on sus- 
picion of being a runaway, altliDUgh he was free, and the winter was so se- 
vere, and his ai;connnt)d;itinn*J so bad. — havinc; s>carce!y a bhinket to throw 
over him — that hi-; limbs were frozen and it became nece.ssary to take then» 
off in order to save his liie! 

These facts need no comment, and yet this prison was built and rep lired 
in part by t!ie penple of New-IIampshire. Are they aware that iheir motl- 
ey- — th'^ fruit of iheir hard earninj^s, is paid out for such purpcjses as the^e.' 
tl.at prisons, built and repaired by funis from the public treasury, are thus 
''perverted from the purposes f>r which they were erected"' to the hoirid 
purpose of carrying on a traffic in the bones aud sinews, the souls and bo- 
dies of human beings? 

In the prosecution of this traffic, the most heart-rending separations arc 
conslunllij occurring. Friends are separated from friends — husbands, wives^ 
fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, sisters, — all rudely and forever torn a- 
sunder. A most affecting instance of the kind has just been c;iven to the 
public by Mr.lleth F. Camp of Washing-ton, whose statements are vouched 
ibr by llev. R. Post, pa-tor of the 1st Presbyterian church. It is the case 
of Cecilia Thoma-, 'about f(Hty years old' — 'possesses,' says Mr. C. "a fnost 
excellent disposition, more than ordinary mental capacity, i-* hnnest,,pii us,, 
and industrious" — "is a woman of great sensilality, and her feelings with 
r'^gard to her situation can be better imagined than described — bereft of all 
her children, e.xcept the last (they having been sold before,) expecting soon 
to be separated from that and he'r husband forever, to be sold to go, she 
knows not where, and endure hardships and miseries she knows not how 
severe." — "She is greatly to be pitied. - Although she is perfectly submis- 
sive to her ma-ter, ont of duty to her God,yet her constant groans and sighs 
are enough to melt a heart of stone.'' This, let it be remembered is buta 
specimen. 

Again, persons having hut a limited {i;ne to serve, are bought by the slave 
dealers, and sent where redress is hojniess Mr. Phelps states the following 
case, and in the words of a gentleman in Washington, knowinir to the facts,^ 
Barbara, a colored woman, by the will of her master, was lo be free at the' 
aire of28, — was sold to a man tiy the name of Danford, at the Sa\y Yard, 
Washington City; by him sold td N. Gibbs,and by him sold to a man named 
Moss or Mans. She was kept until she was Ihirty-eig'd in-tcad of'-J8, and 
then by the terms of sale to all these persons, was lo be free in 183.3; but 
instead of treedom, she was '^old to the trad^-rs, sent South, and noiv is in a 
state of bondage for life! When her last master (Maus) first attempted to 
sell her to the negro traders, he gave her a letter informing her that he 
wished to hire her out bv tiie month. She, not being able to read, showed 
the letter, to find out where the man lived, that her master had hired her 
to; and was informed that he was a neoro trader. She then ran off, and 
when taken in by some friends in Washington her back was so cut and 
mangled by whipping, she was entirely unable to work. Her linen was 
••ticking to the sores on her back so that it could not l>e got off." "The 
above," adds the gentleman in reference to this and another similar case, 
"are but trifles compared with what takes place every week more or less." 

Free persons of color, coming into tJic District are liable to arrest, imprison- 
ment, and to be sold into slavery for life, for their jail Jees,iJ unable, from tgno- 
rancty misfortune or fraud to prove their freedom'*'' — an act, it should be re- 



24 

membercd, which not only Jooms them, but the unborn generations of their 
posterity also — otherwise n free posterity, to hopeless ;ind interminable bon- 
dage. And yet the government, office, republican and christian America 
it is, that gives, by its laws, peculiar facilities tJ this practice — nay, that 
makes express provision for its encouragement. 

In IMay, 1827, for instance, it was "enacted by the Board of Aldermen 
and Board of Common Council of the City of Washington," among other 
scandalous and oppressive enactments, "tl.at every free negro or mulatto, 
whether male or fem;ile.who may come to the City of Washington to reside, 
shall, within tiiirly days thereafter, exhibit to the i\layor satisfactory evi- 
dence of his or her title to freedom, (o be recorded, &c. and shall enter into 
bond to the Mayor &c. "with two Jrechold surities, in the penalty of five 
HUDRED dollars, conditioned for his or her (and every njgmberof his or her 
existing family) good and orderly conduct, and that they or either of them, 
do not become chargeable to this Corporation for the space of twelve months 
from the date of such bond, to be renewed every year for three YEARs;and 
on failure to comply &c. to depart the city or be committed to the work- 
house &.C. not exceeding twelve mo7iths (!) in any one (.'.') commitment. — 
And any free person or persons of color, so imprisoned &c. may, by order 
of the Mayor, be discharged &c. ujion his or her being able to satisfy the 
Mayor, that he or she will, with his or her family and dependents, forthwith 
depart the City. Eut if he or she shall fail to depart the city &c. or de- 
parting, shall return to, and be found within the same, at any time within 
twelve months thereafter, he or she shall be again committed, as if no such 
discharge had taken place." 

"And be it enacted, that every negro or mulatto found residing in the 
City of Washington, after the passage of'this act, who shall not be able to 
establish his or her title to freedom (except such as may be hired <^c.) shall 
be committed to the jail of the County of Washington, as absconding slaves. ''''' 
[City Laws, p. 198.] 

Such is the law. Color is thus, made a crime, which in the first instance 
to all practifal purposes, disfranchises the free, and in the second, is prima 
lacie evidence of a slave; and then, to crown ail, a large posse of consta- 
bles and other officers, some of whom are in the pay of government, are, 
not only permitted, and, by certain perquisites of office, encouraged, to 
take advantage of this law for the oppression of the free man of color, but 
"charged" with its execution, and "on conviction of failure" must "forfeit 
and pay for each and every such neglect or failure, a fine not exceeding 
tsventy dollars." 

The result is that free persons are thus arrested, and then sold for their 
jail fees as slaves for life, as the following facts, staled by Judge Jay, abun- 
dantly show. 

"On tiio 1st August, 1826, a notice appeared in the National Intelligen- 
cer at Washington, from the Marshal of the D. of C, that a negro named 
Gilbert Horton, and claiming to be free, had been committee! to jail in 
Washino-ton city as a runaxvay, and unless his owner proved property, and 
took him away by a certain time, the negro would be sold ''for his jail fees 
and other expenses, as the late directs^ Horton was a native of Westchester 
Co,. N. Y., and known thereto be free. A public meeting of the inhabit- 
ants of the county was called, to take measures for his liberation. The 
meeting was held 30th August, 1826, and a series of resolutions were 
unanimously adopted; one of them calling on the Governor to demand the 
instant liberation of Horton as a free citizen of the State of ]Vew-York." 

The Governor accordingly wrote to the President, forwarding evidence 



«5 

o( his freedom, and claiming his liberation. Horton was releised b«for« 
the receipt of the letter. 

"In Dec. 1826, Mr. Ward, representative in Congress from Westchester, 
introduced a resolution calling on the committee for the D. of C. to inquire 
whether there was any law in the District authorizing theimprisonment of 
a free person of color, and his sale as an unclaimed slave for his jail ftea. 
The resolution was adopted after much opposition by the Southern mem- 
bers. The committee reported that there was such a laio, vindicated its gen- 
eral policy, but recommended that when the arrested negro was unclaimed 
he should not be sold, but that the cotmtii should pay the cost of his impris- 
onment. The people of Georgetown presented a remonstrance against (his 
proposition of the committee. The law remained unchanged, and so re- 
mains to this day." 

/' On the 27th March, 1827, a petition was presented to Congress from 
1,000 citizens of the D. of C, praying for a revisal of the slave laws, and 
an act declaring that all children of slaves to be born in the District after 
the 4th July, 1828, should be free at the age of 25, and that the importation 
ol slaves into the District might be prohibited. From this petition, the fol- 
lowing is an extract: viz. 

" A colored man last summer, who stated that he was entitled to free- 
dom, was taken up as a runaway slave and lodged within the jail of Wash- 
ington city. He was advertised, but no one appearing to claim him, he 
was according tolatu put up at public auction/or i^oi/mtn/ of his jail fees, and 
sold as a slave for life! He was purchased by a slave trader, who was not 
required to give security for his remaining in the District, and he was soon 
after shipped from Alexandria for one of the Southern States. Thus was 
a human being sold into perpetual bondage, at the capital of the freest gov- 
ernment on earth, without even the pretence of a trial, or the allegation of 
a crime." 

And still more recently, in the '^Globe" of the 18th of July last, we find 
, the following "NOTICE, 

Was committed to the prison of Washington Co. D.C., on the 19th day of 
May, 1834, as a runaway, a Negro man who calls himself DAVID PECK. 
He is 5 feet 8 inches high- Had on, when committed, a check shirt, linen 

pantaloons, and straw hat. He says he is free, and belongs to Baltimore. 

He is a bright mulatto, stout, and well made, and about 22 or 23 years of 
age. The owner or otvners of the above described Negro man, are hereby 
requested to come forward, prove him, and take him away, or h& ivill be sold 
for his prison and other expenses, as the laiv directs. 

JAMES WILLIAMS, 
Keeper of the Prison of Washington County, District of Columbia, 

June 7—8. For ALEX. HUNTER, M. D. C." 

Thus probably has a free citizen, of free America, been sold, as a slave, 
into hopeless and irredeemable bondage "to pay the United States for the 
expense of having suspected him." And then the cruel mockery of ad- 
vertising for the "owner or owners" of a man, who "says he is free," and 
therefore has no owner save himself ! 

Again, under the preceding laws, ^'others are kidnapped and hurried away 
before they can be rescued.''^ The modes in which this is done are various. 
Sometimes -they are seized by violence, their free papers taken from thom 
and destroyed. Dr. Torrey, of Philadelphia, in his " Portraiture of Do- 
mestic Slavery in the United States," published in 1817, states the follow- 
ing facts. . 

" The others whom I found in the same garret, (meaning the garret where 

4 



the poor woman with broken limbs was lying,) and at the same time, were 
a young black widow woman, with an infant at the breast, both of whom 
were born free. Her husband had died a few days previous to her seizure, 
and she was in a state of pregnancy at the time. She stated that the man 
in whose house She resided, together with his brother, and three, other 
persons, (^two of whom she said then stood indicted for having seized 
and carried her off at a former time,) came into ihe room,(a kitchen)where 
she was in bed, seized and dragged her out, fastened a noo<5e round her 
neck to prevent her from screaming, and attempted to blindfold her, which 
she resisted with such violence th^t she prevented them from succeeding. 
She said, while one of t[\^m was endeavoring to fix the bandage over her 
eyes, that she seized his cheek with her teeth, and tore a piece of it en- 
tirely off. She said one of them struck her head several times with a stick 
of wood, from the wounds of which she was almost entirely covered with 
blood. She showed me a large scar upon her forehead, occasioned by one 
of the blows, which a gentleman, who saw her the day previous to the 
seizure, has since informed me -was not there before. She said, while she 
was struggling again-t them, and screaming, the man in whose house she 

lived,bawled out,"Choak the ; don't let her halloo; she'll scare 

my wife!" Having conquered her by superior force, she said they placed 
her \vith the child in the chaise, and refusing to dress hprself, three of them 
leavino- the two who belonged to the house, carried her off in the 
condition that she was dragged from the bed, to a certain tavern fn Mary- 
land, and sold them both to the mandealer, who brought them to the city 
of Washington. She stated that one of her cai)tors drove the carriage and 
held the rope which was fixed to her neck, and that one rode on each side, 
on horseback; that while one of them was negotiating a bargain with her 
purchaser, he asked her who her master was, and* replying that she had 
none, her seller beckoned to him to go into another room, where the busi- 
ness was adjusted without troubling her with any farther inquiries. She 
stated that her purchaser confessed, while on the way to Annapolis, that he 
believed she might have had some claim to freedom, and intimated that he 
would have taken her back, if the man of whom he bought her had not ran 
away; but requested her, notv.ithstanding, to say nothing to any body a- 
bout her being free, which she refused to comply with. She affirmed that 
he offered her for sale to several persons, tcho refused topvrchusc her, on ac- 
count oj her asserting that she was free. She stated that her purchaser had 
left her in Washington for a few weeks, and gone to the eastern shore, in 
search of more black people, in order to make up a drove for Georgia." 

" A mulatto youth had been purchased in the city of Washington, and 
kept in it in irons several weeks by a person who confessed his regret, that 
he had not removed him before the suit for the reci>very of his freedom had 
corrtmenced; and that, if he had known it sooner, he would have taken him 

QH to — , (the place of iiis residence,) even if he had been satisfied of 

his bein<'f free. One slave trader to whom he had been offered, was how- 
ever so conscientious, that he refused to purchase liim or the lad who was 
with him, (before 'mentioned,) being confident that they were illegally en- 
slaved." 

^' 1 have been assured by a gentleman of the highest respectability, that 
a former representative to Congress, from cne of the Southern States, ac- 
knowledged to him that he held a mulatto man as a slave, having purchased 
him in company with slaves, who affirmed that he was free born, and had 
been kidnapped from one of the New-England States, who was well edu- 
cated, and who, he had no doubt, was boro as free a man aa himself or my 



informant. Upon bomg asked how he could bear then to letani him, he 
replied that the customs of his part of the country were such, that these 
things are not minded much." 

Mr. Cooper, one of the representatives to Congress from Delaware, 
assured me that he had often been afraid to send one of his servanfs out of 
his house in the evening, from the danger of their being seized by kidnap- 
pers." 

Sometimes, says a gentleman in Washington, a free colored girl, for in- 
.«tance, is hired by some ruffian to go on an errand to some cellar grocery, 
and there seized and immediatrly sent to the South as a slave. 

Sometimes, says Rev. Rlr. Pheljis, on Ihe authority of the above geri- 
tleman, they are accused»of some crime, as for instance, thell, and meas- 
ures are taken after their arre't to destroy their free papers, and so hurry 
them off into slavery at once, or secure their public sale as runaways. Mr. 
Phelps states the following in illustration. 

'* One Benedict Herbert, now al)out fifty years of age, was sometime 
since taken up by the constables, (for they, so my informant assured me, 
are sonietimes accomplices in these horrid acts,) on the charge of theft. — 
He was a free man, and insisted thai he was innocent. It was about twi- 
light when tliey seized him, he denying and they afiirming thnt he was guilty, 
and must go with thenj. He went. In the mean time, they sent a colored 
man, who was in the secret, to his house, to say to the woman who kept it, 
that he had been seized as a runaway, and to ask for his free papers under 
the pretence that he wanted them to get Herbert set at liberty. The wo- 
»man was on the point of giving them up, but just at that moment suspecting 
that all was not right, she refused. Herbert, meanwhile was taken by the 
constables and ludffed in tiie garret of a house ihen occupied by Mr.Robey, 
which garret was used as a prison for carrying on the slave-trade. During 
the night he tore up his blanket and makins;' it into a rope, let himself out of 
the window on to a shed,. and so escaped, though at the expense of a lamed 
and almost dislocated ankle. Otherwise, it is not all improbable that other 
methods would have been taken to get possession of and destroy his free 
papers, and he have been carried into hopeless bondage." 

Sometimes again, some wretch will effeet his object by resorting to per- 
jury, as in the following case, stated at the New-England Convention in 
Alay last, by Mr. Abner Forbes of Boston, and as occurring within his own 
knowledge. 

" A drunkard and spendthrift, named Laskey, having dissipated his mo- 
ney, took this method to replenish his pockets. He procured a newspaper, 
(no difHcult task) containing an advertisement of a runaway slave, and 
presented himself before a judge of the United States Couit in the District, 
and made oath that a certain free colored man, residing there, was the 
• slave intended by the advertisement. The accused was brought before the 
judge, and upon the testimony of this miscreant and an accom()lice, he was 
, adjudsrcd a slave, and was carried South in spite of the zealous exertions 
of Mi^ F." 

False sales are sometimes effected, and colored men seized on the strength 
of them. Mr. Phelps, on the authority and in the words of the aforesaid 
gentleman at Washington, states the following. 

" Lydia Curtis, wife of William Curtis — a free woman — was kept by Na- 
than Kerns as a slave till he died — says she was free all that time. Her 
free papers were in the hands of. Judge Hooper, Seelia Tucker or Jacob 
Sylvester of Centreville, Md. She was sold by Nicholas Hobbs and Tur- 
ban Slaughter to Sim;i8on, a negro trader, who brought her to Wash- 



28 

ington and kept her some daya in a garret at Wm. Roboy's tavern, where 
•he was unmercifully whipt, because she tried to see some white people to 
whom she could make her case known. She was taken to the South with 
a drove of other blacks, among whom were many in a similar situation. — 
She left a daughter at or near Ccntreville, in Md., named Anna Mariay — 
Mothers and daughters of New-Hampshire, can you resist the appeal of 
such facts? 

As the result of all this wrong and outrage, ^Hnstancts of maiming and 
auicide, executed or attempted," and even '■'■instances of death, from the anguish 
and despair, exhibited in the District, mark th» cruelty of this traflic." Dr. 
Torrey relates the following instances. 

"A youth having learned the subject on which I was occupied, and being 
prompt to communicate Avhatever he might meet with relative to it, infor- 
med me, on returning from school on the evening of the 18th of December, 
1815, that a black woman destined for transportation to Georgia, with a 
eoffle about to start, attempted to escape, by jumping out of the window of 
a garret of a three story brick tavern in F. street about day break in the 
morning, and that in the fall, she bad her back and both arms broken. I 
remarked that I did not wonder; and inquired whether it had not killed her.'' 
To which he replied, that he understood she was dead, and that the Geor- 
gia-men had gone off with the others. The relation of this shocking disas- 
ter excited considerable agitation in my mind, and fully confirmed the sen- 
timents which I had already adopted and recorded, of the multiplied hor- 
rors added to slavery, when its victims are bought and sold, frequently for 
distant destinations, with as much indifference as four-footed beasts. Sup- 
posing this to be a recent occurrence, and being desirous to see the mangled 
slave before she was buried, I proceeded with haste early on the following 
morning in search of the house. Calling at one near where the catastrophe 
occurred, I was informed that it had been three weeks since it took place, 
and that the woman was still living. I found the house, and having obtain- 
ed permission ot the landlord to see her, 1 was conducted by a lad to her 
room. On entering the room, I observed her lying upon a bed on the 
floor, and covered with a white woollen blanket,on which were several spots 
of blood, which I perceived was red, notwithstanding the opacity of her 
skin. Her countenance, though very pale from the shock she had receiv- 
ed, appeared complacent and sympathetic. Both arms were broken be- 
tween the elbows and wrists, and had undoubtedly been well set and 
dressed, but from her restlessless, she had displaced the bones so that they 
were perceptibly crooked. I have since been informed by the mayor of 
the city, who is a physician, and resides not far distant from the place,that 
he was called to visit her immediately after her fall; and found, besides her 
arms being broken, that the lower part of her spine was badly shattered, so 
that it was very doubtful whether she would ever be capable of walking 
again, if she should survive. The lady of the mayor said she was awakened 
from sleep by the fall of the woman, and heard her heavy struggling groans. 
I inquired of her, whether she was asleep when she sprang from the win- 
dow? She replied, ".A/o: no M^ore //lan /am »ot<»." I asked her what was 
the cause of her doing such a frantic act. She answered, * They brought me 
away with tu'o of my children, and ivotdd not let me see my husband — They 
didnH sell my husband, and IdidnH want to go;I %vas so confused and Hstracted, 
that I didn't knoio hardly what I was about — bull didnH want to go, and I 
jumped out of the window; — but I am sorry now that I did it — They have car- 
ried my children off with them to Carolina.^ 

I was informed that the slave trader who had purchased her near Bla- 



20 

densburgh, gave her to the landlord as a compensation for taking care of 
her. Thus her family was dispersed from north to south, and herself near- 
ly torn in pieces, without a shadow of hope of ever seeing or hearing from 
her children again. 'He that can beholdthis poor woman, (as a respecta- 
ble citizen of Washington afterwards remarked,) and listen to her unvar- 
nished story without a humid eye, possesses a stouter heart than I do.' 

Mr. Phelps states that this woman is still alive, and goes in Washington 
by the name of Aunt Anne. Her name is Ann Williams. Her wrist is 
still deformed — the bone of the arm jutting out so as to make the wrist 
crooked. She was left at Miller's, the man that kept the tavern, was ta- 
ken home by her mother, who being a favorite slave of her mistress was 
permitted to do so, and nursed until she recovered. She afterwards became 
the mother of two children. Miller, allured by the children, tiien for the 
first time, claimed her, and with her, the children, saying that the trader 
sold her, when maimed, to him for five dollars, His claim however wa» 
not allowed. 

"I have been informed by several persons in the District of Columbia,that 
a woman who had been sold in Georgetown, cut her oivnihront inefTectually, 
while on her way in a hack to the same depository; and that on the road to 
Alexandria, she completed her purpose by cutting it again mortally." 

''A statement was published in the Baltimore Telegraph a few rronths 
ago, that a female slave who had been sold in Maryland, with her child, on 
her way from Bladensburgh to Washington, heroically cut the throats of 
both her child and herself, with mortal efl^ect. This narrative has been 
since confirmed by a relative of the person who sold them." 

The Rev. John Frost of Whitesboro', N. Y. was informed the present 
year "by a Methodist clergyman in Georgetown in the District of Columbia 
of the case of a husband, who, upon his wife being sold and carried to the 
south, pined away, and in a few weeks died, of a broken heart. 

The case of another husband in Wa.shington, in the same District of 
Columbia, was narrated to the same gentleman, by a member of a church 
in that city. Upon the sale and departure of his wife, he became, from 
an industrious and sober man, a drunkard, and in a short time crazy, and 
remains so." 

Mr. Phelps also, was informed by the gentleman before mentioned, that 
within a year a Georgia trader gave chase to a colored woman on the bridge 
across the Potomac. Whether she was a slave attempting her escape, or 
one "bought upon the run,'' or a free woman is not remembered. Nor is it 
material to know. The design was to seize her as a slave, and she so un- 
derstood it. Accordingly, finding herself closely pursued, she leaped from 
the bridge into the river and was drowned. 

The slaves thus obtained and collected together, are then shipped to some 
Southern port, or driven over land, manacled together in gans;s (^20, SO, 60 
or more. In IS 16, for instance. Judge Morrel, in delivering a charge to 
the grand jury in Washington, at the January session of the Circuit Court, 
called their attention to the slave trade carried on in the District, and said, 
"that the frcquertty with which the streets -of the city had been crowded 
with manacled captives, sometimes even on the sabbath, could not fail to 
shock the feelings of all humane persons; that it was repugnant to the spir- 
it of our political institutions and 'the rights of man, and he believed was 
calculated to impair the public morals, by familiarizing scenes of cruelty to 
the minds of youth." And yet up to the present moment, the laws allowing 
of such exhibitions, remain unchanged; and human beings, manacled, are, 
to this hour,driven like cattle, through the streets of Alexandria and Wash- 



30 

ington to the Southojn market. It is true, and ive rejoice in the behef of 
the fact, that such scenes have become more oflensive to the inhabitants 
generally than in former years, and are therefore enacted less publicly," 
though not less really ihan before. 

\Ve have thus endeavored, fellow citizens, to put you in posse.«;sion of 
well-authenticated facts, illustrative of slavery and the slave trade as they 
now exist in the capital of our boasted. Rei)ub]ic. It were easy to go into a 
detail of facts and show that a state of thini^a, in many respects, similar to 
this, exist in the territories of Florida and Arkansas. And yet, (we blush * 
fur our country to say it) these things are done with the consent, — yea 
sanction of (he Federal Government. Congress has been importuned, a- 
gain and again, on the subject,*and yet refuse to take any effectual action. 
For many years, scarce a session has passed without some petitions for the 
abolition of slavery and the slave trade in the District. Many of the in- 
habitants of the District are themselves in favor of such a measure. In 
March, 1827, as we have seen, a petition, sis^ned by 1000 of them, was pre- 
sentpd to Congress, praving for some action on the subject. At the last 
session, numerous petitions on the subject v.eie sent from New-England — 
one of which contained upvy^ards of 2000 names. But tvkat has Congress 
done? Nothing — aye wokse than nothing. It has uniformly disregarded 
those [>etitions, or treated tliem with crntempt, or turned them over into the 
hands of the Committee on the District — a proceeding understood by all to 
be equivalentto their rejection. Noristhisall. Congress has at different- 
times, -and in vpj-iaus way.*, given express sanction to these abominations. — 
In 1826, when Mr. Ward of Westchester, N. Y. offered his resolution, in- 
stituting an inquiry in regard tp the existence of a law under which a free 
man'of color was- liable to arrest, imprisonment and to be sold for his jail fees 
as a slave for life, the resolution was met by a report vindicating Ihegeneral 
policy of the law, and the law was left, by Congress, unchanged, and so 
remains to this hour ! And during the very last session of that body, — when 
probably more petitions on the subject were presented than at any former 
session — a bill was brought forward in the House cjf Representives, by the 
Committee on the District — the very committee to whom the petitions were 
referred — -giving the rigiit to Edmund Brook, a resident of the District, to 
bring into it two slaves as his property. On the 12th of June, it came up 
for decision, and Mr. J. Q. Adams moved its postponement till the next 
session of Congress, s^tating that he was opposed to the bill, and considered, 
that should it pass, it v.'ould give the direct sanction of Congress to the 
continuation of slavery in the District. The bijl, after some little discus- 
sion, was passed by a vote of 106 to 47 — numbers voting on neither side; 
and thus the House of Representatives did, in tiie year 1834, give its direct 
sanction to the introduction and exidmce of slavery in the District of Colum- 
bia! And to this hour, "officeiis of the Federal government have ijeen 
employed, and derive emolument from carrying on the domestic 
Slave Trade!!" 

And now, fellow citizens, if you have followed us in all these shameful 
and heart-rending details, we believe you are ready to say with one accord, 
SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. We owe it to ourselves. To love liberty and 
prize it; as we justly do, above all price, and yet love and prize it only tor 
ourselves, is inconsistent, ungenerous, seliiBh, wicked. Tyrants love liber- 
tyifor themselves. 

SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. 

Slavery is a canker worm to the prosperity, and permanency of our free 
institution-. It hns also e'-er bften the apple of discord among us — dividing 



31 

the counsels of the nation — arraying interest against interest and sec- 
tion 'against section, and more than once, urging^ us^ to to the 
brink of dissolution. Such it will ever be, so long as it exists. Already 
has it woven itself into the texture and fabric of society throughout the 
land, and its pestiferous influence is felt and seen in corrupting the integrity 
and paralizing the moral energies of the legislative assembly, the pulpit* 
and the press. And then it is, from first to last, a system of tbe most high 
handed robbery and oppression, and tbe oath of God is pledged that ''tlie 
robbery of the wicked shall destroy them." In the language of one of our 
most illustrious statesmen, '4he Almighty has no attribute which could take 
sides with us,'' in a confest to uphold such a system of oppression. 
S03IETHING MUST BE DOJNE. 

The influence of our example on the world is fast ceasing to be salutary. 
Our glaring inconsistencies are beginning to stand out in bold relief, nullifying 
our influence, disheartening the friends of freedom, causing despots to exult 
rather than tremble — and making us, the scorn and derision, rather than the 
boast of the earth. 

SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. . 

Enslaved millions in the States, point us to more than 20,000 fellow slaves 
in those sections of the country over which we, by our representatives, exer- 
cise exclusive control, and they tell us, that in allowing slavery there, we adopt 
and sanction a system, (and so become answerable for its results,) which in the 
Slates, fastens the yoke of an unmitigated thraldom on them and- the unborn 
generations of their posterity, and, with lacerated bodies, and oiUstretched 
hands and weeping eyes and imploring voices, they entreat us — "Come, come 
to the rescue of our brethren. Strike, and the blow that rescues them, shall, 
in its onward influence, rescue us." 

SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. 

Justice, patriotism, humanity, mercy, religion, all demand that something be 
done. A common nature, outraged and dishonored, in the person of every 
wronged slave, cries out for a redress of its wrongs — an immediate termina- 
tion of its oppressions. And when nature cries shall not nature hear? She 
will. We greatly err, if, among the sons and daughters of New-Hampshire, 
nature's cry does not meet with nature's response. - Thousands of throbbing 
heart^will utter it. 

Ask you then what shall be done? We answer, 

1. Possess yourselves of the facts in the case. 

2. Ponder them till you feel them, and find within you a deep, stirring 
irrepressible sympathy for the enslaved. 

3. Recite the tale of woe in the ear of your children, family, friends and 
neighbors, to enkindle a similar feeling in them. • 

4. Get, and ever retain, a clear, well defined and full conviction of the high 
criminality of slave holding and the slave trade, particularly as they now ex- 
ist and are tolerated, by the nation, in the District of Columbia and the Terri- 
tories. Set it down, as a first truth, never to be forgotten, that there is no 
difference in principle between these and the Foreign Slave trade ; and from 

• this doctrine and hs legitimate inferences, let nothing ever beguile you. Act 
on it evermore. 

5. Exert yourselves to the utmost for the immediate abolition of Slavery 
and the Slave trade in the District and Territories. To this end, we call your 
attention to the specific measure of signing and circulating the accompanying 
petition. Let each individual give his or her name to it first, and then get 
others to give theirs. Let there be no hesitation, no delay : but let the peti- 
tions be circulated, signed and returned to the proper places at once. What w« 



S2 

do this season must be done quickly. With ''Immediate'' for our motto, let 
every one "remember therii that are in bonds as bound with them," and give his 
or her name to the petition. It is what we would wish the poor slave to do 
were we the slave. It can do no harm : it is believed that it will do great good. 
At least, we shall have the consciousness of having attempted duty. The ex- 
periment is worth trying. It has never yet been fully tried. Let the sons and 
daughters of this State, uniting with those of other States, speak out for the 
slave, and sooner or later, their voice will be heard. 

JOHN FARMER,-* 
GEORGE KENT, 
RUFUS k. PUTNAM. 
Concord, N. H. 28 Nov. 18 34. 



ICPSee Note at the end. The Petition referred to at the close of the 
Address, will be found on the last leaf. 



APPEND I X . 



Letters were received f:otn several genilemeii from wliich aro made extracts as follows. 
The first is from J. G. Wliittier, dated Uavcrliill, Ms^^lOtli rao. 11th d*y 1834, from which it the 
following eliort extract: 

"I can now only say that 1 am exceedingly sorry that circumstances pnt it out of my power to 
be with you. From the tenor of your public notice I anticipate an interesting discussion ol tht great 
principles wliich are involved in this agitating controversy. God prosper the right! That the oou- 
vention which assembles lo-inorrow may do much to accelerate the coming triumph of truth over prej- 
udice, atid Christian love over wrong and hatred is tha earnest desire of thy friend." 

Letter from Rev. O. S. Murray, dated Orwell, Vi. Nov. 1. 1834. 

To the Committee who have called an anti-slavery meeting, to be held at Concord, N. H. Tuesday, 
November 11, 1834. 

Dear Sirs — I received your circular three days ago, and highly approve of your movement. Such 
a convention, acting on such principle<3 as your circular indicates, cannot fail to advance the cause 
which is nearest my heart. It would afford me great pleasure to be with you and afford you my poor 
help. 

, Brethren in tlie causa of human rights — You have raised a good standard to a very proper lieight. 
I behold your flag nailed to it, unturled in the breezes of l)eav«n. Rally around it, and preserve it 
from false friends. You have nothing to fear from open enemies; they shall "go backward and fall 
to the ground" before you. There is a great multitude of haters of slavery in the "abstract," who 
are rendering incalculable sui)port to practical slavery. These are they who have so great love for 
colored men in Africa, but will not lift one of their fingers to assist that abused peoj.-le at home in the 
United States. And what is this slavery in the abstracti In ether words — for their is no such thing 
as abstract slavery — What do they mean, when they tell us they liale the principle which, carried out, 
■would tend to the enslaving of them, their friends, and tbe white population gendrally, if ilio colored 
people should cvpr obtain the power? For a white man to be enslaved, would be a "hard case" in- 
deed — and 'especially that the body and soul-uesiroying monster Slavery could in any case get his 
fangs on them or their friends, would b« hon:ifying to the last degree — "but" — the Loid set a mark 
opon Cain — Canaan and his descendants were to be servants — the Africans enslaved each other, and 
it is much better that they should be enslaved by Christians — the slave* of the south go whiatiii'g and 
singing to their tasks, and arc immeasurably better oft than the free men of color — freedom is not less 
ruinous to a colored maa than slavery to .i white! TUeir a; gument need not be pursued; you bava 
heard it; you understand it; you know how to confute it. Had the Patient Man lived in our d;iy,and 
been a man of common sensibility and logical accunien, a lover of justice and impartial liberty; after 
his patience had endured the absurdity and sophistry he would meet at every step .ind a sight of the 
wretched subterfuges under which American slavery and its apologists hide, nnd the miserable atten- 
uated fibres on which the rights of millions are suspended before ovn* eyes, for the adversary to have 
tried him with the boils, would have been quite ludicrous, and quite supererogatory. 

We are told that an immediate abandonment of the atrocious sin of slavery, which the sentiment of 
your circular very justly required, would bo an irrepairable injury to the slaves. What! Would it 
injure them to immediately cease breaking up families, sundering the strongest ties of consanguiniiy 
and affection — to extend to tliem the protection of th^ law — to heal their wounds — to restore v hat is 
justly their due — to reward them in future for their toils — to put a Lamp of life in tiieir hands to guide 
them through the dark valley of the shadow of death — in a word to let the great law of love govern 
our conduct towards theml Would this ruin the slaves'? Reason answer?, No. Experience answers. 
No. Conscience answers. No. Well — this is all we ask — thi.i is immediate abolition in the best 
sense of tlio phrase, as abolitiouists have always used it. Only ignornnce or malignity can give it 
any other construction. 

My Brethren, you knov^ what, next to avarice, is the greatest obstacle to our enterprise. You 
know who they are that "?tand in the gap" to keep us oil from the slaveholder. You know who have 
always been ready to "pass censure upon abolition societies." You have heard the slander and tlia 
flattery. Now you have been called "fanatics and incendiaries." Then you have been vciy courte- 
ously invited to co-operate in the work of prejudice nnd persecutiou. You have delected the fraud. 
You have discovered tbe delusion. There is no need of my dwelling on this point. The line i.« bring 
drawn. We shall soon know who have supported the American Colonizution Society with l)€neTolent 
objects in view, aad who have been laboring to expatriate a large class Of our fellow countrymen. — 
The former are fast joining our ranks — ihe latter will continue to t-upporl the true doctrine of the 
scheme, slavery or exile. 

That the spirit of liberty aud iovs raay be with you — ths spirit of genuine philanthropy warm «nd 



34 

expand your hearts — the Spirit of God u atch over you and preserve you from all outward foes — th<j 
vVisduin tiiat is from above, which is first pu>-e, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of 
'•:i"cy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy," direct all your energies to the over- 

; owiiiT of Cjaioa's strongest hold in the United States, is ths fervent prayer of your constant co- 
■ iker, ORSON S. MURRAY. 

Letter of the Rev. Jc.mes T. Woodbury, dated Acton, Oct. 30,1834. 

Tohn Farmer, Esq: — Dear Sir — Your letter of rccjiit dale inviting me to attend an Anti-Slavery 

.iventi')n with you next mondi is received. And in reply permit me to say, that I shall afford my> 
o>;if the pleasure, of being ])resent, if consisteirt with otlier duties. 

I .hank God that I have lived to witness this iiipVement in the granite State in favor of the oppresa 
cd. I think I know sometiiing of the genius of tlie people of New-Ha:npshire. They have a very 
keen, q'!icksjn!-e of wrong, and only spread out before theai the bloody facts, tell them the, tale of 
W03, uud lay down di^-tinctly the paciSu principles on which we propose to act, and the honest hear- 
ted yeomanry on all her hill.-i will start up a noble host in tills cause. IMy life on it they love liberty, 
and when tiiey know what slavery is, tiot merely in th.e abstract, but in practice, in the detail, they 
will not s'nink from the moral conilict. Tiiey will come up to the help like men, like freemen, like 
Christians. They may be. blinded and so misjudge, and feel,"and act wrong, Init if the next 4di of 
July there could be driven into ycur beautiful village of Concord- ICO slave.=, and alter due notice put 
up one by one on the platform, and struck off to the highest bidder like so many brutes, and this sale 
l)e advertised in all the papers, political and religious, in the state, si.x months beforehai)d,''and take 
place in broad daylight, somewhere near the state house yard, and I would stand responsible for the 
state of feeling in New-IIanipshire. l~lie apologists for slavery u)ight say what they would, every 
man, woman and child would cry out with a loud voice, and widi one accord, and say, It is an accur- 
sed thing, whigh all good men must hate, which no decetftinan can countenance for a moment — and 
if human laws, or hum.in constitutions say it is right, those laws and diat constitution are written in 
blood, andmust be repealed forthwith. 

I am an abolitionist. I feel that more than 2,000,000 of my fellow beings,and most of them mycoun- 
ti"ymen, native born Americans, are robbed of their rights. I kno\vthey are soleijmly adjudged to hn 
"chattels in the hands of their owners and possessors, and their executors, administrators and assign- 
ees to all intents, constructions and purposes whatever." And I cannot close my eyes, and shut my 
mouth, and hold my peace, or cry, ".AH is well," "All is right." "The laws and (he constitution say 
so." No, no. Human legislation can never amend the law of God. God says, "Thou shalt not 
steal," and will tlie commentator say it is a crime for you to steal my horse, and I can claim him 
where I can find him, but n® crime to steal my child, " bone^of my bone and flesh of my fle.sh." I am 
an abolitionist, because I know that of all these millions in bondage, every individual of them, or 
Uieir mothers, Avas stolen. Some ruffian hand, roused by the spirit of the devil, found them free as 
air, and as our children are, and laid hold upon them and chained them, and brought them to the 
bloody slave dealer, and he brings them to the bloody slave owner', or slave consumer.- I have been 
looking nt the slave catcher, and the slave dealer, and wondering why a just God could let them live; 
wondering why the earth they tread did not open and swallow them up; but now I see they are not 
at the bottom of the l.-usines.s'. Aye, the slave owner, ho who buys the man to work him, to use him 
up; /<e sustains the whole. The one is the twig, or the leaf, the other is the sap and the root. When 
man can feel it to be, not merely a shame, an outrage, but a tcirific crime to claim, under any circum- 
stances, his fellow man as his property, his •chattel, a thing to lie made merchandise of — then the dark 
slave ship will be seen no longer hovering on the coast of Africa — or going down with its cargo of 
living human llesh to Natchez, or New Orleans. 

And cannot pulj'ic opinion do in the United States what it has done in France and England, and in 
the republic of Colombia, and in the empire of iVlexi."o 1 

I have seen the day when I gloried in the fact that I was an American citizen — that I lived under 
a government (he first priuiples of which declares that " all men are born free and equal," that liberty 
isevery man's birth-right. But while more than 200 persons continue to be born here every single 
day, whom, widi their mothers, their masters claim as property, and sell at the [jost, to whom they 
will not give the knowledge of their rights, nor suffer others so to do — from whom they withhold (he 
wordof ()od! — I will sap no more. Oh when will this vfhole nation opi^n their eyes to the truth ! 
When will they see ths hypocrisy and mockery of all our boasts about freedom and equal rights, while 
every sixth man in this whole nation is held as a brute "? We ring our bells, wo fire our cannon, we 
write ourselves a fiee people; but when shall wo cease to hear, far abave all this din of folly and non- 
Bense, the clank of the chains of more than 2,000,000 in bondage 1 Let the question be with all men 
What is right 1 not. What is expedient 1 While there is a just God and u judgment, it can never 
be f/pedient to rob men of llicir rights, no, not for an hour. It is a crime, and men may as well 
say, though lying and nuu-der be wrong, still under certain circumstances it is expeilieut to lie and 
murder. But I have already written too much, yet it poorly expresses what 1 feel, and I will close 
by r-ayir;:-, " Do ri?;hf j" let the conscqoaacssbe what they may — " Do right," if the h(.avens and the 
esrdi come together. 

Yours, in the iK'st of caute3, the cause of 2,000,000 of men in bondng? . 

JAMES T. WOODBURY. 



35 

Letter from TVm. L. Garrison, dated Boston, Nov. 10, 18S4. 
John Fakmek, Esq.— Dear Sir — I regret that ennagemcno and duties in tins city prevent m;- 
comr!iance with th(; iiind invitation whicli fjoii have oflicially conveyed to me, to be piesem p.t your 
Am i-Slavery Convention. 

To say that I nn» with you in all holy efforts to arrest the progress of despolicm, and to r.cceleratn 
the march o( equal, impartial and riglileoos iiherly tlfioiiyiioiit ilie wnild, is Init tlic fcthlfst e\*ider!Ca 
of my zeal and sincerity. I have not been satisfied witii the more uttcnmcc of ',l:e feelings of my 
Jieai t, in view of the deploi able situation of a large portion of my coiaitrymen ; bi.t 1 have h<xn abun- 
dant in labors for their deliverance from an iron bondage — nor have I laboicU in vain. Four years 
ago, when I commenced the Liberator, 1 knew not a single individual in tiiis section of the country, 
who folly coincidwl with me in opinion, respecting the safety and duty ofimmediale emancipalion.and 
the injustice and inaptitude of the African colonization scheme. Since that period ihc change Ik: 
been wonderful — pcihaps beyond a paralitl in the history of moral reform. The praiic belon,'- 
God who by hisSjjirit and truth, has reached the consciences and enlightened the understandin;: 
men . 

lam persuaded that the sacred cause of abolition will iiliimately nm well in New-IIampshirR. 
At first your purposes will be misunderstood, and your measures calumniated. Bafe men will cu- 
dcavor to poison the niinds of the people against your society. Yon will be rnricaiiurd and made 
hideous. For a time craft will take you in its toils, and falsehood cover you with infamy, and vio- 
lence obstruct your benevolent career; but truth and justice will not liiil to come in seasonably to your 
rescue, and to place crowns of victory upon yoia- heads. It is worlliv of remark, indeed, that all 
those charg?.? which are falsely brought against abolitionists, are precisely such as may be justly ap- 
plied to those who utter them. 

First, tve are accused of wishing to stir up the slaves to insurrection. Eut wliaf are wc do- 
ing? Are we whipping them 'J No. Are we defrauding them'? No. Are we depriving them of 
knoxvleds!;e'! No. Are wc ranking them among our goods and chattels? No. Arc we selling them 
as cattle? No Well, who is gudty of such atrocious conduct? Why our accusers! And are they 
not tlierofore doing all that can be done to stir up revengeful passions in the boso'ins of the slaves- "! — 
We are only crying — Do not tlog, do not rob, do not debase, do not kidnap, do not buy and sell these 
unoffending countrymen! Who then are the incendiaries] Who but our accusers! 

Next, vje arc accused of ivishing to turn the[slaves loose upon the country, to plunder and 
ravage it luith impunity. But what do we say? 1 hat tl:oy ought to be above the laws'! No. — 
That they ought to be below the laws? No. But we say that they ought to be controlled and pro- 
tected by the laws — that lro;n standing without, they ought to be brought within the pale of the con- 
etitution. Now, they are really turned loose, having no home, and instead of preying upon othcrs,are 
becoming the''prey of others — of our accusers. 

Next, wc are accused of advocating the amalgamation of the races. Eut we have'only main- 
tained that female virtue ought to have complete protection at the south, instead of being polluted 
with impunit) ! We say that slavery ought to be immediately abolished for it is a .system of lewd- 
ness — of unrighteous and continual amalgamation. Therefore because wo seik iis ovcrthrow,we are 
the advocates of amalgamation! Thus reason the friends and apologists of slavery — our accusers! 

Next, we are accused of creating excitements and tun.ulls. But what have we done! Kave 
we invaded and broken up the meetings of tl;osewho differ from us in opinion? No. Have we de- 
nied the liberty of speech and of the press to our opponents? No. Have we inflamed the mobs a- 
gainst them? No. Have we broken their windows or burnt their property in the streets, or llnent- 
encd to tar and feather them, or menaced their lives? No. Have we assaulted and di-facrd their 
temples dedicated to liie worship of Almighty ('0:1? No — we have been the \ictrms ol all this ruth- 
less treatment — unresistingly, patiently, forgivingly; and they who assert that «e are the disluibers of 
the public peace, liave themselves been guilty of all iluse turl:ult'i:t actr — our a(CUfers! 

Next we are accused of endeavcrir.g to wrest frcm the planters their prcpiriy tcrc7:pfvli'y. 
But what have we attempted to do? To take away their horses? No. Their cattle? No. Tin ir 
gold and silver? No, Their plantations? No. 15ut only to jierswaJe them to give up t!ial v\liic]i 
they have stolen — to relinquish at once and forever their impious claim of ownership in tlie bodies ai;d 
souls of their fellowjmen. H'c are not justifying wrong'doiiig and r(bl.cry — bit, cur accusers! 
' And so the whole catalogue of false accusations bioiight 'against abolitionists may be canvassed in 
this manner, with the same result in every instance. Let us not return evil for evil — but pity, fcrgixo 
and pray for our arciisers. 

Thanks be lo God, the cause in which we are enlisted is his — not cms. In the midst of rrevaicnt 
darkness, his promises shine out like stars at midnight. Those premises — O Llc-scd as.-urai.rc! are 
certain of an exact fidfilment. Slavery will be abolished, and universal ficedom enjoyed, f.nd <s(al;- 
lislied throughout tlic earth. Still we have a duty to discluugc — and that is to laiior diligeniiy, and 
trustingly, as hunjbic instrumciils in the liand.s of our divine Mastei-, locking to hitu alone (or siicngtli 
and wisdom, and guidance, ami victory. 

In conclusion, allow me to express the liope that as cm* dislinguifhed tians-allaniic coadjutor, 
George Thompson, Etq. is to be with yen in convention, be will I;e received w iih that coi dial 
esteem and kin<! hospitality, and iioly entliusia-^m, which becomes those v\ho aieer.riagcd in the best 
of enteiprises. Welcome him to your hearts and your homes — tanclion his philaiiilir<.pic missii r. — 
cominendhim to the notice and regard of .-dl who prize moral esceUcnce and generous devation of 
soul — and let him be heard with iluit candor which his cause, and elo(iucnce soiitldy merit. 

My prayer is, that your deliberations may be distinguished for firmness, intrcpidiiy, zeal accordin? 



36 

to knowledge, and love, and good will — that you may receive the blessing of God, of yoOr country, 
and of those who are ready to perish. 

I am, dear sir, wilhnhe higiiest esteem for vour charactor, 

Your/rieud and feflow-laborer, WJH, LLOYD GARRISON, 



Letter* from Mestre. Rogers and Kimball, members of the bar in Grafton County, dated 

PLYMOt;TH, Nov, 10,1834. 
John Farmer, Esq., Cor. Sec'y. 

Dear Sir — Not tliinking when I read your communication respening the convention at Concord, 
that the lime in contemplation could be so near, and willing to confer with my brother Kimball whom 
I expected to meet at the court now in session here, I delayed re|)lying for that purpose; and brother 
K. who now sits at my side, says he delayed answering u like communication on the sauie account, 
and wishes ma to say this to you as his apology. 

This court will inevitdbly prevent our attend. moe which we greatly regret, both as we regard it as 
an occasion of high impoitance to the cause, and because we are anxious to be with you, to welcome 
to New-Hampshire the distinguished philanthropist expected from abroad at the convention, and to 
hear them plead the cause ol' the slave. 

WHAT LAWYERS OF THE GRANITE STATE THINK OF LANE SEMINART, 

We beg leave to say that we strongly concur in the propriety, importance, and necessity of a con- 
vention. When steps are taken fatal to liberty, in this ' The land of liberty,' the friends of freedom 
ought certainly to awake to measures of counteraction. 

" When seniinari&s of liberal learning in the 'Free States' of- this asylum for the ' oppressed,' 
Christian seminaries, schools of religious and Protestant discussion, headed by Puritan ministers of 
the gospel, have become scenes of the interdiction of inquiry, and moral discussion, it is high time 
for those to whom the liberty of speech yet appertains to be awakened and alarm.ed. When the 
right to di.scuss publicly, and quietly, a great moral question ; one admitted by all to touch the honor, 
duty, and safely of the nation; anu one which despotism itself has already, m the old world, agitated 
and settled in favor of tlit; cause of liberty; where this right is prohibited in the free states, and at 
the fountain of knowledge, it is time for New-Engl?.nders to convene, to discuss, and resolve, in all 
places where the right is not yet aholishedby the mob. 

" We trust your convention will be earnestly if not fully attended. Some of our delegates will be 
there; stt'riing young men; Christians who are not ashamed of their Master, or of any of those for 
whom he died. VVe have requested them to try to prevail on Messrs. Garrison, and Thompson, and 
Kucli of tht.'ir emancipation friends as will acoinpany them, to extend their journey to Plymouth at this 
time. Court has called the county together, and affords an excellent opportunity for public impression. 
Thursday evening- would be a favorable^time. Pray urge them to come. 

We remain, dear sir, cordially 3'ours, 

Geo. Kimball. 
N. P, Rogers." 



Persons receiving this pamphlet are requested to read it, and then hand 
it to their neighbors to read. Thej are also requested to separate from it 
the form of Petition on the last leaf — paste it on blank paper, and pre- 
Eont it to tho-se in their neighborhood for signatures. After obtaining as 
many Rignatures as can be had, they are requested to forward the same, 
free cf expense^ to the Commitlee before named that the same may be for- 
warded to Congresa during the present session, and with as much expedi- 
tion as possible. 



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